Guyana Times -- Saturday, April 2, 2022

Month of Ramadan to commence on Sunday P14

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4967

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022

Govt greenlights ExxonMobil’s Yellowtail Production Licence

– approved Environmental Permit includes guarantees for oil spill response, routine flaring fees See – 250,000 bpd production on stream for 2025 story

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

GOGEC hosts seminar for students of Cummings P13 Lodge Secondary School

on page 3

Granger to Norton: “Have meaningful consultations with Ramjattan to fill MP vacancies” Page 9

...says cannot take any action until names submitted

Govt distributes $47M to dialysis patients See story on page 7

Disabilities should not separate persons from each other – Min Manickchand See story on page 12

Ganja, P2 improvised weapons among contraband found during prison search

Govt gets P13 US$4.1M to control, eliminate HIV, TB

$37M modern Magistrate’s P16 Court commissioned in Kwakwani

– MoE, GPL launch Autism …plans to offset lab, medication costs in future Awareness/Acceptance Month 2022

BK Int'l driver strangled to death, thrown into Mazaruni River Page 2

MoH monitoring 78 active COVID P16 cases

…5 new infections in 1 day

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ganja, improvised weapons among contraband found during prison search lighters, eight improvised weapons, two two-litre bottles of fermented wine, one metal spoon, one earpiece, two cell phone adapters, one cell phone case, and a quantity of tobacco and other prohibited items.

The items were confiscated and an investigation was launched into the dis-

covery. Prior to that, a similar exercise at the penitentiary unearthed a quantity of ganja.

It was reported that officials were conducting daily checks in and around the prison and its environs when they observed a prisoner acting in a suspicious manner.

A search was conducted on his person, and, in his pants crotch, a bulky black parcel containing the cannabis was found. Further searches were conducted in the Tuck Shop on the premises where two bulky black parcels with ganja were also found.

BK Int’l driver strangled to death, thrown into Mazaruni River

A The contraband items that were unearthed during the raid

M

embers of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday conducted a search in the Mazaruni Prison during which a quantity of cannabis and other contraband items were found.

The search which lasted several hours unearthed 16 cigarette lighters, 10 cellular phones, 3 phone batteries, 17 improvised weapons, 25 grams of cannabis and

a quantity of cigarettes.

No incidents were reported during the search.

Back in January, 970 grams of ganja was found at the Mazaruni Prison during a routine search by prison officials. The ganja was reportedly discovered in a grey bucket in the kitchen area of the penitentiary.

Following the discovery, the cannabis was handed over to ranks at the Bartica Police Station where it was weighed and amounted to

970 grams.

This occurrence is nothing new at the facility as officials are constantly finding prohibited items.

Late last year, during an exercise at the Special Watch and Bricks sections of the Mazaruni Prison, Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), several contraband items were found.

These included three cellular phones, 148 grams of cannabis, 34 cigarettes, five

truck driver attached to BK International was reportedly strangled to death and thrown into the Mazaruni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Dead is 69-year-old Pitamber Sharma of Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD). He was employed at BK Quarries.

Police stated that on Wednesday last, the man was at BK Quarries where he was last seen alive at around 18:00h. The following day at around 07:30h, a security guard saw him floating in the river.

A report was made to the Bartica Police Station and the body was examined by the Police; however, no marks of violence were observed.

In an initial report, Police had ruled that he may have drowned but a post-mortem examination conducted on his remains on Friday gave the cause of death as manual strangulation.

The post-mortem was conducted by

Dead: Pitamber Sharma

Doctor Nehaul Singh in the presence of his sister after which the body was handed over to relatives for burial.

3 Govt greenlights ExxonMobil’s Yellowtail Production Licence NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Apr 2 – 03:00h – 04:30h and Sunday, Apr 3 – 03:30h – 05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Apr 2 – 17:10h – 18:40h and Sunday, Apr 3 – 05:15h – 06:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers during the day.

Expect light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 17:29h reaching a maximum height of 2.75 metres.

– approved Environmental Permit includes guarantees for oil spill response, routine flaring fees – 250,000 bpd production on stream for 2025

U

nited States oil giant, ExxonMobil has secured approval from the Guyana Government for its fourth development in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana – the Yellowtail Development Project, paving the way for production activities to come on stream by 2025.

On Friday, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat signed the Petroleum Production Licence (PPL) for the Yellowtail offshore development with Exxon’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat handing over the Yellowtail Development Petroleum Production Licence to ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge and representatives from the Stabroek Block co-venturers, Hess Guyana Exploration and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana

Low Tide: 11:04h and 23:17h reaching minimum heights of 0.4 metre and 0.51 metre.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

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FREE TICKET

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FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$104.39/barrel

-0.31

Rough Rice

$288.21/ton

+0.01

London Sugar

$538.40/ton

-0.57

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1925.60

$1926.60

Low/High Change

$1917.70 0.00

$1940.50 0.00%

Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

It was noted that the Yellowtail project was approved following extensive reviews done by local and international experts. These include British firm, Bayphase Oil and Gas Consultants, and Canada-based Redford Group headed by Alison Redford and a team of technical experts who reviewed the Yellowtail Development Plan in keeping with internationally recognised standards within the oil and gas industry.

“Most importantly, the team of technical experts assessed the project to ensure that all relevant regulations are complied with and that they can be enforced. This included environmental standards and reservoir management for the sustainable and responsible operation of the project, in conformity with the best international standards and environmental safeguards associated with a project of such magnitude,” a statement from the Guyana Government on Friday detailed.

According to Minister Bharrat, the Government and its regulatory agencies are satisfied with all the reviews and long hours invested by both local and international experts to finally have a licensing agreement for the Yellowtail Project, which will benefit all Guyanese realising the “One Guyana” vision.

Additionally, this project will build on the recently sanctioned local content legislation for each stage of the project as it relates to workforce development, supplier development, and overall strategic investment.

“The Government of Guyana remains committed to managing and extracting Guyana’s oil and gas resources sustainably in keeping with internationally recognised acceptable environmental standards and transparency,” the

missive further stated.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had earlier on Friday announced that it has granted an Environmental Permit for the Yellowtail Development to EEPGL for a

period of five years to undertake the construction and operation of production facilities in the Stabroek Block.

It was noted that approval of the permit was in keeping with the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05 and was granted after the consideration of public inputs during all statutory periods for public consultations and review.

The EPA said it took into consideration the technical review and recommendations from a team of independent international experts, and the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB). The EAB reviewed and declared the revised Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) acceptable and provided recommendations for EPA’s approval as part of the environmental permit.

TURN TO PAGE 12

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

An underestimated reality

O

ver time, numerous cases of domestic violence have been reported in the Guyanese media. Many persons were brutally killed in some instances. Unfortunately, it continues, despite awareness efforts and the much-touted training of law enforcement officers, who are expected to be the first step of recourse with regard to the lodging of complaints.

There is more than a subtle irony in the continuance of this societal scourge, in spite of the relentless efforts and the plethora of available mechanisms to inform and educate. The problem is much larger than what appears in the news, including the social media outlets, as many cases go unreported. This, therefore, gives much credence to the appearance of an underestimated reality.

Many reasons have been promulgated for what can deter an abused victim from seeking the intervention of the law. Among them, in no specific order of impact, are aspects of culture; shame; dependency and its redounding lack of empowerment for some; and the lack of confidence in law enforcement itself, precipitated from the reported trivialising of the issue in some instances.

One may posit that education is a primary concern. On the other hand, one can argue that education has been more profound in recent times. Pertinent would be to ask the question whether the other factors subvert the heeding of educational messaging; while the answer may be assumed, it would make for interesting and informative research.

As that is contemplated, the magnitude of the impact on children cannot be underestimated. Many have cruelly been made witnesses to the horrific assaults on their mothers and, to a lesser extent, their fathers. Those ghastly images, especially for some who watched as life was snuffed out, are not only lasting, but profoundly traumatising.

When young minds are so broadsided, the impact, if not managed, lingers for life. Not that it is erasable, but with meaningful and sustained interventions, the trauma can potentially be mitigated, thereby aiding in better shaping of lives. The entire spectrum of what therefore constitutes counselling then becomes vital. This naturally raises the question of the availability of adequate intervening mechanisms.

While it is always heartening to hear that surviving victims and witnesses to such horrific incidents would be counselled, it would be very informative, for the benefit of all, to know the extent of what is available and offered. Realistically, expectations cannot be for what obtains in the developed nations. However, there must be something tangible, in keeping with available resources, with upgrades foremost in planning.

This is not in any way suggesting that there is not an effective mechanism. However, counselling can be an extensive process for some, depending on the circumstances. Given the plethora of incidents that unfortunately continue, and which would make added demands on the system, the question of adequacy of trained staff, needed facilities, and support systems becomes more pertinent.

Not too long ago, the country had the unenviable tag of having the highest rate of suicide per capita. Prior to that categorisation, some aspects had made news internationally, prompting a local organisation to call for suicide to be made a national priority, given its impact on society and the trauma it imposes on surviving relatives.

It was stated that the declaration would not only bring additional focus, but would have positioned the issue to be afforded the necessary resources for its mitigation.

It was not going to be a panacea to stop suicide, but, effectively structured, it increases the potential across the country, with the assistance of stakeholders, to maximise effectiveness of information-gathering for targeted intervention. It would also increase confidence in the support system, to help break social inhibitors where necessary, and to better edify.

It is no different for domestic violence. While there is a disadvantage in being unable to accurately quote figures, based on extensive research, if available, on the amount of people lost, injured and disfigured, and those scarred for life as a result of domestic violence, it must be extremely high in proportion to our population. Clearly, the highest number would be those who are left traumatised.

This therefore must be seen as a serious cause for concern, and a compelling reason for consideration to be declared a national priority. This is an apolitical issue, and is not confined to any one group, thereby making it less difficult to garner national support.

In small societies such as ours, the impact permeates throughout and away from just the families.

Children reading and learning about incidents through television and social media are in many ways impacted too, especially if one of their own is affected. In the context herein, the pervasiveness and impact of trauma cannot, and must not, be underestimated. That of road accidents must also be taken into account, for too much is at stake for the nation and its people.

A $37.8 million Magistrate's Court, which includes living quarters, was on Friday commissioned in Kwakwani, Region 10.

Among those present at the opening ceremony were Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC; Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan; Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George; Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack; Magistrate Wanda Fortune and other senior officials

Shubh Navratri Dear Editor, Once again, Hindus, devotees, lovers, friends and followers of Hinduism throughout the world, including Guyana, are proud and lucky to have the golden opportunity of celebrating Vasant or Chaitra Navratri.

Navratri, the auspicious festival of commemorating nine nights/days of the nine forms of Divinity of the Universal Mother, Durga Mata, is observed twice per year: in Spring (March/April as per the Gregorian calendar), and in Fall, October/November (Sharad Navratri).

With the repercussions of the deadly disease of COVID-19, this pandemic has certainly taken a heavy toll, and many people have suffered losses of their dear ones. As we observe Vasant or Chaitra Navratri, our thoughts and prayers are with the departed souls, as we remember them and miss their loving presence.

This year, Navratri commences on April 1st and concludes, as usual, with the grand culmination of Ram Navami on April 10th.

While most of the customs and rituals are fundamentally the same for both seasons, traditions and practices may vary as per the different ways and means practised in the different parts of India, and inherited by the descendants who

migrated and settled in various parts of the world.

In Maharashtra, for instance, the first day is called Gudi Padwa; and in Kashmir, it is known as Navreh. The first day of Chaitra Navratri falls during the full moon phase, which is known as Shukla Paksha phase, marking the first day of the Hindu calendar. Ghatasthapana is one of the significant pujas during Navratri, and it marks the beginning of the nine days of festivity.

This is the invocation of Goddess Shakti, and must be performed as per the stipulated rules and guidelines of the scriptures.

Nav (nine) Ratri (night) is a dedicated period to specifically revere the Divinity of Mata Durga, who is the Universal Mother. In Shaktism, the word Ratri (night) is symbolically derived from the root ra, “to give,” and is taken to literally mean “the giver” of bliss, peace and happiness.

This is a time when Hindus go the extra mile to prepare themselves mentally, spiritually and physically to undergo this period of penance, including cleansing, fasting, and praying in order to seek the blessings of Mata Uma. Attention is also paid to the surroundings, for cleanliness and the restriction of anything sacrilegious, or the consumption of any-

thing considered unholy.

Under normal circumstances, devotees would flock all the mandirs throughout the country, but the pandemic has placed restrictions; and although the protocols require limiting the seating capacity, and free flow of movement and participation has been lifted, there is still a degree of the reservation to attend.

In our prayers, we ask and beg Bhawani Ma to bless all those who are no longer with us, and give them peace and bliss, as we seek solace and refuge in chanting Her prayers, serenading Her numerous names, and glorifying Her heroic stories.

As we request Amba Maa to satisfy our quest for Her to shelter us under Her umbrella of protection, and shield us from any form of endangerment, we specifically request Her to sanitize the universe, in order for this virus to be eradicated completely from the environment; and the earth will be free of this deadly disease, so that people can be restored to an orderly lifestyle once more as fast as possible.

Durga Maa enjoys being addressed by 108 names, with each adorned with its separate significance.

As the Trinity of Parvati, Lakshmi and Sarasvati, the Divine Mother blossomed from the attributes

of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, and is gifted with the presents of all the deities and devas.

Identified as AdiShakti (Primal Power), the goddess of war, her manifestation centres around combating evils and demonic forces that threaten peace, progress and prosperity.

The triumph of good over evil, to restore faith in confidence and restore Dharma over Adharma, provides the pinnacle for the essence of Navratri.

Worship is dedicated to the feet of Durga Ma, the protector of mankind, who was called upon to reveal Her prowess in Her nine Avatars to battle the forces of physical and psychological negativity. In as much as the joy and fervour remain enthusiastically inclined for devotees to celebrate this festival in all its pomp and glory, amid this pandemic, socializing freely becomes challenging, and many may be confined to their homes rather than visiting the holy places or mandirs. The season may, again, be observed in a low-key manner. Nevertheless, this is the ideal occasion to learn about all The Universal Mother’s features, characteristics, significance, purpose, and scriptural history, while staying indoors.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022

5

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Mask-wearing Dear Editor, Once again, I have cause to write, highlighting the lack of education and comprehension of Guyanese.

In this instance, the commercial banks in Guyana took it upon themselves to implement their own COVID-19 guidelines, which is admirable.

However, those guidelines are in stark contrast with those of the Public Health Ordinance gazetted on the 14th day of March 2022.

In Section 4 (c), it clearly states that “…all employees, customers and visitors are encouraged to wear face masks.” Note, the language is very careful, and it never mandates, nor does it give the banks the authority to mandate,

wearing masks. In fact, Section 6 of the said Order clearly states that wearing a mask is NOT mandatory.

There has been a lot of conflicting information circulating, claiming that businesses have the right to make their own rules.

However, this is not reflected in the gazetted Order. Therefore, where is this misinformation stemming from?

I therefore call upon the Minister of Health and the Government of Guyana to set the record straight. Do the banks and other businesses have the authority to mandate mask-wearing, or is it not mandatory, as is gazetted?

Sincerely, Rawle Nichols

Shubh Navratri...

One can read, look at virtual programmes, recite the scriptures, observe fast, look at religious films, listen to bhajans, pray, and also give to charity. This doom-and-gloom will eventually dissipate as more and more persons get being vaccinated and the protocols are observed. Prayers and praises of the Mother, practice and protection as mentioned, perseverance and

By Hindus For Selfless Service

C

haitra Navratri is a nine-day festival to Goddess Durga’s nine incarnations and is observed every year after Holi. It is also known as Vasant/Spring Navratri, that starts on the first day of the Hindu LuniSolar calendar which falls in March or April. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and each of her nine incarnations is worshipped on successive nights.

Chaitra is the first month of the Hindu lunar calendar and that’s why this Navratri is called Chaitra Navratri. It is also known as Rama Navratri, as Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama usually falls on the ninth day during Navratri festivity.

This year Goddess Durga festival commenced on April 1, 2022, and will conclude on April 10, 2022. The festival celebrates the nine forms of Hindu Goddess Durga and each day is associated with a different colour.

Day 2: Brahmacharini Puja

The colour of the day is green which symbolizes growth, nature, and energy.Navratri 2022 Day 2 The 2nd day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Brahmacharini - the 2nd form of NavaDurga.

She gives eternal bliss by knowledge of the Supreme Self. Brahmacharini is also known as Tapascharini, Yogini, Parvati and Uma, Goddess Parvati took birth at the home of Daksha Prajapati in the form of the great Sati. Her unmarried form is worshipped as Goddess Brahmacharini. She is signified as the lady who practiced the toughest penance and hard austerity due to which she is named Brahmacharni. She performed these austerities to marry Lord Shiva. The deity of the Goddess holds a mala in her right hand and kamandal in her left. She is always represented as barefooted.

Her favourite flower, like mata Shailputri, is Jasmine too and so you can offer these flowers to mata Brahmacharini.

FROM PAGE 4

performance as mitigated, all these elements, when factored together, will restore a belief that better days are ahead with the intervention of the Divine Mother.

May Ma Durga’s blessings be showered on all, enabling them to enjoy peace, bliss and happiness.

Shubh Vasant Navratri.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

Norton’s weekly circus continues Dear Editor, The Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform, Aubrey Norton, continues with his weekly attempts to seek relevance.

It is highly unlikely that the Guyanese people take the People’s National Congress Reform and its leader seriously. In his latest desperate attempt, he continues to demonstrate why he is no good for Guyana.

As was highlighted by the Vice President of Guyana a while back, Aubrey Norton - who was elected leader of the PNCR in December 2021 - does his best to say things that sound good. Mr. Norton's most recent press conference was no different from any of the others; it was riddled with inaccuracies and mistruths, which further demonstrates to Guyanese the deceitful nature of the PNCR. In a desperate attempt to sound good, Norton said that had the Government fol-

lowed the PNCR’s advice: to increase public servants’ salaries by 25% and raise the tax threshold, it would have helped the people of Guyana.

This is rich, coming from the same person whose party, while in Government, implemented over 200 tax measures which took billions of dollars out of the pockets of these very public servants.

It was Norton’s party which put VAT on water, electricity, cell phone data, education, and medical services.

Whom does he suppose were affected by those actions?

The People’s Progressive Party Civic has increased the minimum wage from $65,000 to $75,000, and provided billions of dollars in relief to Guyanese since its return to office, while Norton and his party opposed every single measure that was aimed at providing relief to ordinary Guyanese.

Regards, Alvin Hamilton

6

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄ Question 1

By Helen Taitt It is very peaceful here With the white clouds drifting And the palm trees lifting Graceful arms to fan the air.

I

n this fun and easy colour science experiment, we’re going to investigate if certain colours get hotter faster than others.

Materials: Two thermometers One sheet of white paper One sheet of black paper Two tin cans Black paint White paint Pitcher of water

Friday’s answers Figure 5

1b) Figure 6 will have 11 buttons 1c) Figure 10

How lovely is the green when seen With the blue between as the branches lean.

How lovely is the rose that grows By the stream which flows where the soft wind blows, It is very peaceful here With the tall grass shaking And the pond flies making Silver wing-play everywhere.

Instructions: Place each thermometer outside in the sun.

Put the white piece of paper over one of the thermometers and put the black piece of paper over the second thermometer.

Wait 30 minutes.

While you are waiting, paint one of the cans white and the other can black.

Once 30 minutes have passed, write down the temperatures from each thermometer.

Now fill each can with water.

Place a thermometer in each can and place the cans back outside.

Put the white piece of paper on the white can and the black piece of paper on the black can.

Wait t30 minutes and then write down the temperature from each thermometer.

How it works: The black colour absorbs more sunlight. This converts to heat and increases the temperature. The white colour reflects more sunlight and thus does not absorb as much heat.

Make this a science project: Try this experiment with different colours. Try spraying sunblock on the black colour. Try spraying sunblock on the surface of the water. (sciencefun.org)

You came, and all the sky was flushed, The day and my heart grew full as you came.

The roses shed their dew and blushed, As the winds of a new awaking rushed Through their petals and breathed your name.

I touched the stars.

Reached to magic in a night All beautiful...

Caught new music and the world Was still...

Known blue wonders...

Floating mauve and gentle silver.

On a deep deep cloud I touched the stars And magic now forever in my sky. (Kyl-Over-Al)

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn” — Benjamin Franklin

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt distributes $47M to dialysis patients

…plans to offset lab, medication costs in future

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony delivering a cheque to one of the patients

I

n filling its promise to offer assistance to dialysis patients, the Government through the Health Ministry on Friday handed out a whopping $47.4 million to offset expenses for treatment.

This mechanism comes under the newly-introduced $600,000 per patient assistance that will be allotted yearly. At the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, 79 persons collected their cheques. In this year’s budget, the Government allocated $180 million to support some 300 dialysis patients who require a series of dialysis treatments.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony used the opportunity to announce

that additional mechanisms will be put in place to ease the hefty burden facing patients. In the near future, much-needed laboratory tests for dialysis patients will be processed through the public system.

“You need to have blood tests almost every month to monitor how you’re doing.

They’re expensive. If you have to go to the private sector, it will cost you a lot of money. We are going to put some mechanisms in place to allow that the laboratory test, that we are going to do that in the public sector.

We will be meeting the providers of dialysis and when they require to have laboratory tests done, they can take the sample and send

those samples to our labs.

The public sector would then be able to do those tests for you free of cost,” he informed the patients.

By the end of the year, Erythropoietin – a costly medication that patients would normally purchase independently – will be sourced through the Government and distributed.

Outlining this arrangement, the Minister enlightened, “One of the medicines that you normally would get is Erythropoietin. That too is very expensive. Some of you probably end up every two weeks, you have to pay another $7000 or $9000 depending on where you’re going to get it…We’ve decided that one way we can help is that we’ll put Erythropoietin as part of the medicines that we’ll be procuring for the country. We’ll make that available to every dialysis patient free of cost.”

While the Government has provided the funds, Dr Anthony said patients can decide on which aspect of treatment they desire to spend the money.

“You can decide which one of the dialysis providers you want to go to. Some dialysis providers provide at a cheaper rate than others. You must decide which one you want to go to make sure you get the best value for your money. That’s totally up to you.”

Statistics indicate that

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh handing over a cheque

50 per cent of dialysis patients are admitted to hospitals due to various treatment constraints. Some persons would require such a procedure three times per week.

Clifton Porter, whose wife has been undergoing dialysis, told <<<Guyana Times>>> that he is extremely thankful for the much-needed assistance.

Hailing from Kuru Kururu on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, he noted, “It is very helpful and thoughtful of the Government to help out poor people in such a manner. Honestly, I could not have afforded it three times per week. This is going to help a lot”.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old

Adacia Semple travels from Berbice to Georgetown every week for dialysis. She related that this would assist in transportation and treatment costs.

“I started treatment in August last year. I’m from West Coast Berbice and the fee to come to South is about $10,000 almost every other day due to the distance.

It’s very expensive so and it will also help in many other ways.”

In addition, Tejwattie Sasenarine of Mon Repos on the East Bank of Demerara also shared, “I can’t afford it so I’m glad to get it. It would help me out for a two times per week session for a couple of months…I’m glad I got it thanks to the Government.”

Officer-in-Charge at the Pan American Health Organisation, Dr Daniel Albrecht lauded this initiative as one step closer to expanding access.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 held in bus transporting cocaine remanded to prison T Where’s the he driver of a Route 32 minibus and two passengers of the bus were remanded to prison after they were slapped with a joint charge for trafficking in narcotics.

The driver, 31-year-old Akeem Brumell; and the two passengers, Gary Toney, 46, and Oliton Sobers, 28, appeared before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on Friday. They pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on March 30, they had 11.4 kilograms of cocaine in their possession for the purpose of trafficking. Their matter will continue on April 28.

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU)

investment...

B

Remanded: Akeem Brumell

Remanded: Gary Toney

Remanded: Oliton Sobers

said that its ranks, acting on information, intercepted a Route 32 mini-

bus at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). A search of the vehicle led to the dis-

covery of 10 parcels containing a quantity of cocaine.

TURN TO PAGE 17

…from the States? ack when the Yanks engineered Jagan and his PPP party – which represented the majority of the country – out of office, they felt compelled to support their installed PNC regime. Not just with talk and a firm handshake, but with funds and massive infrastructural investments. They even gave money to build the PNC organisation!! But, more substantively, they built the West Demerara, Corentyne and Linden Highways!! Of course, the projects were all executed

by US firms, and the money was as such returned to the US. But we were left with some pretty well-built roads!!

So, when your Eyewitness heard the PNC insisting the US had “installed” the PPP after the last elections, he didn’t dismiss their claims out of hand. After all, having been installed in 1964, and supported in their rigging in 1968, 1973, 1980, 1985, and most recently in 2015 through the new civil society tactics, the PNC knows more than a thing or two about “installed regimes”!! Especially Americanengineered ones!! Burnham had even been invited to President Johnson’s Texas ranch, where he and LBJ went horseback riding!! Wags quipped that Burnham thought the saddle LBJ gifted him signalled that the Yanks were okay with him riding the Guyanese people’s backs!!

Anyhow, for the past almost two years -- following the historic 5-month-wait for elections’ results -- your Eyewitness has been holding his breath for the Yanks to be showering the PPP Government (and Guyana) with all sorts of funding and infrastructural projects. With Burnham, the Yanks wanted to keep out their bete noire – the Ruskies – who were besties with Jagan. The Ruskies now out of the picture, but in their place the Chinese smoothly sidled in with their bulging bags of Western cash!! Earning the ire of the Americans for poaching on their Western Hemispheric turf, and wiping their feet on their Monroe Doctrine!!

But, sadly and confusingly, while the PPP has embarked on a massive infrastructural drive, the Yanks are nowhere to be see!! And it’s the Chinese who’re still winning all the bids – be it roads, bridges or hydroelectric power. What gives??

The US Ambassador – whom the PNC cussed out something fierce as being the architect of the “regime installation”, and demanded her head – had promised that American firms would be in the running with their high quality. And once again, recently addressing the Manufacturers’ Association, she called for higher standards, and promised that American firms would be coming down. The very active AmCham has also been very active, but like the mountain that famously laboured and only produced a mouse, we haven’t even seen that rodent!!

So, can your Eyewitness conclude that the US absolutely didn't “install” the PPP Govt? What now PNC? …on food?

As your Eyewitness has been belabouring ad nauseum – ie: until you want to barf! – Caricom’s been kvetching forever about their food bill. But as soon as Guyana tries to solve their problem, they become mute, or worse! More than a decade ago, President Jagdeo, when made the leader on Agriculture, proposed what was dubbed “The Jagdeo Initiative” to solve the problem. Responsibilities were divvied up depending on the strength of each territory – we had land – but it went nowhere.

Manning of Trinidad – which had the funds – decided they had land also, and invested in 18 “Mega Farms”, which of course were run into the ground!! Later, we offered them 20,000 acres in our Intermediate Savannahs, but still nothing. Well, we’re starting from ground zero once again, and only Barbados under Mia Mottley seems serious.

They’re creating a facility to simultaneously handle 20 containers of our produce – while there are Bajan firms in both our Intermediate and Interior Savannahs.

“Too late!” shall be the cry for some!! …from foreign?

A local business maven complained that furriners are subverting our local content laws by floating dummy front companies with locals as frontmen.

This trick is as old as Father Time, and we should have laws to winnow them out!!

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

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SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Granger to Norton: “Have meaningful consultations with Ramjattan to fill MP vacancies” ...says cannot take any action until names submitted

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

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epresentative of the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change List of Candidates, David Granger has asked the leaders of the two coalition partners, APNU’s Chairman Aubrey Norton and AFC’s Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, to have meaning consultations on filling the two Opposition seats that are currently vacant in Parliament.

A statement on Friday disclosed that Granger, former President and Leader of APNU, wrote the two coalition leaders after receiving two letters from Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, on the vacancies in the Opposition’s side of the House.

These seats became vacant following the resignation of former Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, who officially resigned as an APNU/ AFC Member of Parliament since March 15, and former Education Minister under Granger’s coalition Government, Nicolette Henry,

whose resignation took effect on March 31, 2022.

“The Representative of the List has since written to Mr Aubrey Norton, Chairman of A Partnership of National Unity and Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, Leader of the Alliance For Change, requesting their meaningful consultations on the nominations of candidates to fill the vacancies,” the missive detailed.

Moreover, it was noted that Granger has since informed the Chief Election Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Vishnu Persaud, of the present development as well.

The procedure requires the representative to inform the Chief Election Officer of two names to be extracted from the party’s List of Candidates to be sworn in as Members of Parliament.

But according to Friday’s missive, Granger has followed and acted in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana and the Representation of the People Act (RoPA) with regard to the resignation and replacement of members to the National Assembly “at all material times”.

“The Representative of the List can take no further action until the APNU Chairman and AFC leader conduct their consultations and submit their nominations. He now awaits the names of the two candidates who will fill the vacant seats before informing the Chief Elections Officer,” the statement noted.

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), which is the leading party

in the APNU/AFC coalition, has already insisted that its Leader, Aubrey Norton, would be appointed as the new Opposition Leader. Therefore, it is likely that Norton would be appointed to one of the two Opposition vacancies in the National Assembly.

There has been no Opposition Leader in the National Assembly since Harmon resigned from the post on January 26 this year following mounting pressure from the new PNC Executive. Though he stepped down as leader of Opposition, Harmon had indicated that he would remain a Member of Parliament.

But earlier this month, he also announced his “intention to resign” from the National Assembly and formally did so about two weeks later.

Harmon had contested for leadership of the PNC but lost to Norton who won by a landslide victory. Granger, who was the immediate past lead-

er of the PNCR, did not contest for re-election.

In fact, neither Harmon nor Granger was elected to the Central Executive Committee of the party – the highest decision-making body of the PNC. The APNU/AFC Opposition accounts for 31 of the 32-seat parliamentary Opposition, while the joinder list comprising of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) and The New Movement (TNM) occupies the remaining seat. The governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) holds a one-seat majority in the 65-seat House, having won 33 seats.

When the Opposition Leader post became vacant earlier this year, the joinder list representative in the National Assembly, LJP Leader Lennox Shuman, had indicated that he would not be participating the process to elect someone to that position.

At a press conference earli-

er this month, PNC Chairman Shurwayne Holder disclosed that, “The party had made a decision that the party leader will become the leader of the Opposition… We had consultations with APNU and AFC. As far as I am concerned, that’s a done deal”.

In addition to being Opposition Leader, Norton also has a mandate from the PNC Executive to take over Granger’s role as Representative of the List.

AFC’s Ramjattan is the Deputy Head of the List.

But the former PNC leader is yet to step down as Head of the List, however, he has already given chairmanship of the APNU to Norton – another instruction from the new PNC Executive.

While the Dr Irfaan Aliled Government has already indicated its willingness to meet and work with the new Opposition Leader, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has

APNU Chairman Aubrey Norton

expressed, however, that it might a while before the new Opposition Leader is appointed.

“We may be very far away from getting a leader of the Opposition. Because the leader of the Opposition, as you may know, is elected by the Opposition in the National Assembly. It is when the Opposition sits, they elect a leader from amongst themselves but you don’t have right now the full complement of the Opposition,” Nandlall said in this week’s edition of his weekly programme – Issues In The News.

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GBTI continues to partner with GTT retirees to benefit from 75% both local and foreign investors discount on internet service

GBTI Chief Executive Officer James Foster

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espite the effects of COVID in 2021, GBTI continued as a leader in the financial industry, recording a $1.7 billion taxed profit. Much of the bank’s success is as a result of support given to its customers and value being placed on its employees.

According to Chief Executive Officer of the banking institution, James Foster, “There was a significant increase in the asset quality of the bank, much of which is attributed to the dedication and diligence of our team members”.

The bank’s portfolio saw improvements in its assets which grew by 12 per cent. A

profit growth of 28 per cent after tax was recorded while an increased deposit growth of 12 per cent was realised.

The bank’s loan portfolio grew by 20 per cent while noting an improvement of the Net NPL to below 10 per cent.

Foster also noted the success of the GBTI Mutual Funds which in less than three years of existence, recorded profit growth of $207 million. GBTI Mutual Funds offers investors a suite of alternative investment opportunities.

According to Foster, “Working as a team is key to GBTI’s successes. We seek to grow our customers’ businesses, improve the lives of our team members, and make meaningful contributions to our communities”.

The bank, being cognisant of the effects of COVID, supported communities and clients with reduced or eliminated fees, granted loan

moratoriums and reduced interest rates. Team members incurred no loss of income, in addition, accessed vaccination drives which saw in excess of 95 per cent of the team being vaccinated.

Importantly GBTI’s team members continued to support communities and clients despite the challenges of the pandemic. Also, during this period, the bank invested heavily in technology to ensure it met the burgeoning expectations of clients.

Throughout GBTI’s history, the bank that sees “Guyana through its eyes” has been a key partner to many business development initiatives in our country.

GBTI understands and embraces the changing landscape of the country and believe these changes are necessary for Guyana to fully exploit its potential.

GTT CEO Damian Blackburn (centre) posing with GTC/GTT Pension Association Executive Members Dexter Wyles, D Nurse, David Wallace, and Arnold Barron

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etired staff of the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph (GTT) Company are set to benefit from a 75 per cent reduction in their internet costs, according to Senior Manager of Public Relations and Corporate Communication, Jasmin Harris.

Harris, who works as the corporate liaison to the Guyana Telecommunications Corporation (GTC)/GTT Pension Association, noted that this move is a small part of much larger plans to improve the lives of these retirees.

“We want to show our dedication to our former team members who have supported GTT for years and aided in the development

and evolution through technology,” Harris explained.

GTT has committed to also upgrade the retirees within Fibre areas to Fibre+ Voice, transitioning them from their copper-based DSL and landline services.

With Fibre+, you can keep your landline number, enjoy cheaper calls and high-speed internet of up to 150Mbps.

President of GTC/GTT Pensioners Association Donald Nurse related: “It was an interesting and fruitful meeting and I’m glad to realise that the management of GTT was able to bring back into the organisation the pensioners with the experience and knowledge who will be able to rekindle with the organisation.”

These initiatives align

with GTT’s promise to strengthen the community.

GTT is taking robust steps to strengthen their relationship with and support these pensioners and retirees, including the provision of hampers and vouchers during the Christmas season. In addition, the company will be undertaking welfare visits, and will continue to make provisions for funeral fund benefits along with workshops and training exercises on pertinent matters.

To demonstrate its seriousness in keeping former staff connected, GTT will be giving free mobile phones to members of the Pension Association, preloaded with mmg+ and tutorials on how to use various functions and apps within the phone.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 nabbed with $12.9M in cocaine, ecstasy pills released on bail after man claims ownership F

ive persons including three pensioners and a Surinamese national who were nabbed with $12.9 million in cocaine and ecstasy pills were on Friday slapped with drug trafficking charges when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. They were all released on cash bail.

Charged are 62-year-old Lena Narine called “Aunty Lena”, a businesswoman; James Herbert called “Uncle James”, 60, a father of seven and contractor; Kay Jennifer Butcher, 71; 27-year-old Jamal Narine called “Tunks”, a waiter by profession; and Gregory Faria, a 47-year-old

Charged: Lena Narine

Charged: James Herbert

The parcels of cocaine that CANU ranks allegedly found in the Prashad Nagar, Georgetown house

Surinamese national.

The quintet faced a joint charge which alleged that on

March 29, at Shantiniketan Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, they had 11.4 kilograms of cocaine in their

possession for the purpose of trafficking.

In addition, Lena Narine was charged separately for

Charged: Jennifer Butcher

Charged: Jamal Narine

The ecstasy pills that were allegedly found in the bag

trafficking 266 grams of ecstasy pills on the same day.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were

read to them by Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

Both of the Narines were

Charged: Surinamese national Gregory Faria

represented by Attorney-atLaw Everton Singh-Lammy while Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes appeared for Herbert. Butcher was represented by Attorneys-atLaw Dexter Todd and Dexter Smartt.

In a report, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) said that at around 19:45h on the day in question, its ranks conducted an operation at Shantiniketan Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, where they observed a gold Toyota Allex motor car, HC 577 with a “Sheriff Taxi” logo parked along the side of the road.

TURN TO PAGE 17

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 2,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Disabilities should not separate persons from each other – Min Manickchand – MoE, GPL launch Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month 2022

Education Minister Priya Manickchand delivering remarks at Friday’s launch

she noted.

Manickchand related that autism awareness must continue so that the wider society can understand what it is and how it can be managed.

She posited that this must be taught through the curriculum in schools and the training offered at the Cyril Potter College of Education.

Further, she explained that it requires the home, the church, the school, the work environment and the country as a whole to active-

The Autism Walk that was held on Friday morning from NCERD to GPL’s Main Street office

The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) on Friday launched Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month 2022 with a walk that began at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) and ended at Main Street, Georgetown.

Autism is a developmental disability that affects communication and behaviour. Education Minister Priya Manickchand during

her remarks stated that disabilities should not separate persons from each other while noting that efforts of the State must include the formal and organised establishment of systems within institutions that allows Guyana to benefit from the skills and talents of persons living with autism.

“Every time we prevent persons with differences to contribute to development, we are taking away from that person the opportunity to be all that they can be,”

ly address how persons with disabilities can participate in school, the workforce and the country’s development as a matter of policy and human right.

In addition, Chief Executive Officer of GPL, Bharat Dindyal hopes the “light” that was ignited to raise awareness about autism, continues to shine for the rest of the year and into the future. Dindyal said that he hopes that the launch can galvanise conversation and

see initiatives focused on addressing the issue.

Moreover, he stated that the company’s participation is intended to be a part of the power company’s anniversary celebrations this year but pledged the company’s continued partnership in highlighting and raising awareness about autism.

National Special Education Needs (SEN) Officer, Savvie Hopkinson said that Friday’s observance celebrates the resilience of those affected by the disorder and supports causes that promote awareness of the developmental condition.

She said that Autism Month is being observed under the theme: “Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a PostPandemic World.”

Hopkinson added that with the growing confidence that the worse of the COVID-19 pandemic is passing, there can be an examination of whether there

GPL Chief Executive Officer Bharat Dindyal at the launch

have been reversals of the gains made in addressing the effects of autism.

“As always, the wellbeing of our students must be our first and primary concern.

This Autism Month must therefore serve to refocus educators, reenergise parents and mobilise communities,” she remarked.

Meanwhile, Director of the National Centre for Educational Resource

Development (NCERD), Quenita Walrond-Lewis said that NCERD’s SEN Unit is thrilled to lead the charge in heightening awareness of autism. She said that Friday’s activity is a signal that the agency and the Ministry are gaining ground to champion not just awareness but longer strides to inclusivity not only in education but also in creating pathways for inclusion in the workplace.

Govt greenlights ExxonMobil’s ...

Moreover, the agency said the permit comprehensively addressed all environmental and social safeguards that are reasonably necessary to protect human health and the environment.

Among the key provisions outlined in the permit is the prohibition of routine flaring and venting activities. It specifies that flaring is only permissible during commissioning, start-up and special circumstances, while payments are in place for flaring conducted beyond permitted durations.

In May 2021, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government introduced fines for flaring activities and has since collected some $930 million (US$4.5 million) from Exxon for excessive flaring last year.

The approved Environmental Permit also has provisions for oil spill response and financial assurance. This requires EEPGL to procure a Capping Stack (a closure device used to seal off a well in the event of loss of control) and have it maintained, tested, and stored in Guyana. The company will also have to maintain access to at least one overseas subscription service to allow mobilisation of a Capping Stack to the project location to enable swift capping in the event of a well blow-out.

Meanwhile, the Permit also ensures that EEPGL is held liable for all costs associated with clean-up, restoration and compensation for any pollution damage which may occur as a consequence of the project.

“Further, the financial assurance provided must be guided by an estimate of the sum of the reasonably credible costs, expenses, and liabilities that may arise from any breaches of this permit.

Liabilities are considered to include costs associated with responding to an incident, clean-up and remediation and monitoring,” the EPA added.

Other safeguards included in the Environmental Permit include monitoring to ensure EEPGL meets its obligations to prevent and mitigate environmental harm. The permit imposes comprehensive requirements for monitoring and management of any impacts affecting biological, physical, and socio-economic resources within the Area of Influence of the project, including targeted and updated environmental baseline studies. The Permit further requires EEPGL to submit safety case information, including a risk assessment prior to drilling and development of wells.

The Permit also provides for the establishment of a grievance mechanism in keeping with the World Bank’s Approach to Grievance Redress in projects, to ensure that complaints from individuals and communities who may be affected by the project are received and addressed.

There is a requirement for reporting same and what actions were taken to address the grievances to the EPA. While the EPA has granted the Environmental Permit, Exxon will now have to await approval from the Government for the project.

The Yellowtail Development Project is set to commence production in 2025 using the “One Guyana” Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, which will yield the largest target of 250,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) during a 20year period that will generate at least 1300 direct jobs.

Yellowtail, which will be located 126 miles offshore Guyana, includes up to three drill ships drilling up to 67 wells, the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and SURF production system, with tankers taking the oil to global markets.

The US$10 billion development project will target an es-

FROM PAGE 3

timated resource base of about 900 million oil-equivalent barrels and this is now the largest single investment in the history of Guyana.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana in the Stabroek Block, which contains a recoverable resource estimate of over 10 billion barrels of oil-equivalent.

The US oil major started production in December 2019 at its first Development – Liza Phase One site, where Guyana has earned US$607.6 million from a total of nine oil lifts by the end of 2021 and another US$95 million from its first lift this year from the Liza Destiny FPSO. Meanwhile, with the Liza Unity FPSO at the Liza Phase Two Development commencing production in February, oil lifts from the Stabroek Block are expected to increase.

In addition to these two projects, Exxon is also on track with its third development, Payara, for a 2024 start-up.

ExxonMobil is the majority operator in the Stabroek with co-venturers, Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Ltd. Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Oil & Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), Manniram Prashad commended the Dr Irfaan Aliled Government for the swift approval of the Yellowtail Production Licence.

“GOGEC fully supports the Government’s objective to accelerate the country’s oil and gas production as quickly as practicably possible so as to cash in on the relatively high oil prices into the foreseeable future. In doing so, this would aid greatly in advancing Guyana’s rapid economic transformation and development for the benefit of the people and the country at large – that is to say, for both the current and future generations to enjoy these anticipated benefits,” Prashad said.

13 Govt gets US$4.1M to control, eliminate HIV, TB T NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Health Ministry, through Global Fund, has received $857 million (US$4.1 million) to aid the country’s efforts to control and eliminate the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB).

On Thursday, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and Executive Director of the National Coordinating Coalition (NCC), Simone Sills signed an agreement that will see a partnership to implement activities and programmes to tackle the diseases.

“We believe that the partnership that we have here would help us to extend the kind of programmes that we need to reach people, especially those who have

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony signing the agreement

fallen out of the treatment programme,” the Minister stated.

Dr Anthony explained that this partnership will

also assist the Government in getting more educational content out to the regions, especially on the importance of TB treatment to prevent

drug resistance.

“Part of this relationship that we have would help us to do more TB education so that people can become more compliant and in addition to becoming more compliant, we would then be able to prevent multiple drug resistance TB,” Dr Anthony related.

The Health Minister added that the non-governmental bodies will help the Ministry to reach its target of achieving 90 per cent of the population knowing their HIV status, 90 per cent who tested positive receiving treatment and 90 per cent on the treatment being virally suppressed.

Meanwhile, Sills said the non-governmental organisations are pleased to be a

National Coordinating Coalition Executive Director Simone Sills

partner in the fight against the diseases.

“This partnership will entail, working in six regions across Guyana to assist in addressing the three what we call the three 90s

goal for persons living with HIV, as well as increasing the number of persons that have access and treatment to TB treatment as well as services,” she said.

GOGEC hosts seminar for students of Cummings Lodge Secondary School

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he Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber on Friday hosted a training seminar for the students of Cummings Lodge Secondary School at the GOGEC Training Centre.

The students were addressed by GOGEC President Manniram Prashad and Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, who are both graduates of Cummings Lodge Secondary School.

The students were also addressed by the

GOGEC President Manniram Prashad, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, GTT CEO Damian Blackburn; Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, SBM Offshore Guyana General Manager Martin Cheong and Demerara Waves’ Denis Chabrol stand before the students

Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken; General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana, Martin Cheong; Denis Chabrol from Demerara Waves and CEO of GTT Damian Blackburn, who all gave motivational talks to the students.

The Managing Director of HHSL Safety System Guyana, Herman Vieira outlined the various job opportunities that exist in the oil and gas sector while Financial Analyst Joel Bhagwandin explained the oil and gas sector from an economic point of view.

The students were presented with their certificate of attendance by President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce Victor Fernandes.

GOGEC has thus far conducted training for the following schools: Annandale Secondary, Apex Education, Christ Church, The Bishops’ High School, St John’s College, St Joseph High, St Stanislaus, Brickdam Secondary, North G/town Secondary, St George’s High School, and Charlestown Secondary.

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 2,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Month of Ramadan to commence on Sunday

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he Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) has confirmed that the Holy Month of Ramadan will commence on Sunday, April 3, 2022.

A release issued by the Organisation stated that the moon was not sighted on Friday evening and as such, Taraweeh will commence on Saturday evening followed by the commencement of fasting to observe the month of Ramadan.

President of the CIOG, Shahabudeen Ahmad in a message stated that the Holy Month of Ramadan should be received with deep respect, love and gratitude.

“This month was gifted to us, so that we can purify our bodies, minds and hearts

in order to cultivate Taqwa and come closer to Allah, our Creator.”

“Ramadan is a time to reset and align our actions and habits to our spiritual purpose; Ramadan is the training ground. Ramadan is a time of stock-taking, a time of evaluation of all of the God-given abilities and resources we were endowed with,” he added.

Ramadan is the ninth

month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.

A commemoration of Muhammad’s first revelation, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Developing nations will have to lead climate change efforts – Mustapha C

ountries in the developing world will have to lead efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change on their economies, since they stand to lose greatly and are more affected when compared to developed nations.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha underscored this point during Day Four of the session of FAO Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Delegates were apprised of the threats that Guyana and other developing countries face, especially in the area of agriculture.

“We, in the developing world, are faced with this problem because our economy depends on agriculture.

For us to produce, we have to have a climate that can help us to produce in a way that is feasible. As developing countries, we will have to take steps to curb climate change. We will have to lead in this area,” the Agriculture Minister outlined.

On Guyana’s part, the Low Carbon Development

Strategy and the Government’s robust initiatives were brought under focus as selling points towards achieving this target.

“Our efforts throughout this time have not been about meaningless slogans or suggesting that there are easy solutions to global problems. Rather, Guyana has been about harnessing imagination, innovation and hard work to align the legitimate aspirations of our people with the global challenge of climate change.

We can build a future where we advance Guyana’s development for all of our people and at the same time, secure and maintain our commitments to low carbon development.”

He stressed that Guyana is considered a low emitter but remained among the most affected by the emissions of the developed world. The region, he said, must be prepared to use its collective voice to advocate for equitable treatment in this climate change struggle.

“Guyana is one of four

countries in the world and one of two in the Amazon basin verified to have sustained a high forest, low deforestation state…Our country has an extremely high level of biological diversity and I want to say that we have been using our forests to generate income that we can use to develop the agriculture sector.”

He added, “We cannot allow the developed world to dictate for us. We are a powerful voice in Latin America and the Caribbean.

We must come out with this voice after the conference to say that we are willing to protect our environment, lead from the front and we will ensure that the environment is there for us to produce.

Earlier this week, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo facilitated a meeting with stakeholders from the coastland to discuss the Government’s national strategic flood protection measures, where he underscored the need for adaptation at the earliest.

Jagdeo highlighted the

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

glaring issue of greenhouse gases, contributing to rising sea level and bringing additional consequences for coastal areas. Guyana’s coast is several feet below sea level, and if action is not taken now, it could be disastrous.

The former President had shared, “When you have water of that volume with such an intensity coming into drainage systems, irrigation systems, storage systems like the conservancies; then you have an enhanced problem of dealing with it. If you can’t manage

it and deal with these volumes of water that accumulate in shorter periods, then you’re going to constantly have an issue of flooding, loss of crops and loss of livelihoods.”

Even as the country moves forward as an oil and gas producer, he said it also has to be part of a global community to address climate change. This brings the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) into focus and plans for adaptation.

Some of the more significant adaptation chal-

lenges of the future include maintaining sea defences; transferring water into the Atlantic Ocean when there is large volume of water; and managing droughts.

“If we don’t tackle the big issues of water management, we will lose large volumes of our produce and that has not only an impact on the economy but at the family level. Often, it has devastating consequences for people. It means you don’t have an income…It causes economic as well as major social problems.”

But the cost of building and reinforcing infrastructure comes at a heavy price.

In this breath, Government plans on tapping into the oil revenues to build and invest in management systems.

“The cost of doing so is enormous to fix our sea defences. These water management systems require heavy investments. Part of the oil resources have to be spent in this manner. Many developing countries now are waiting for the developed world to provide funds for adaptation,” Jagdeo was quoted.

GTT Business provides GPL urges public to participate solutions to reduce prank calls in community engagements

From left: Station Officer Admin Dehola Jacobs, Deputy Chief Fire Officer (ag) Dwayne Scotland, Station Officer Finance Patrick Daniels, Station Officer Operations Otis Charles, Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham

G

TT has collaborated with the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) to modernise its calling and reporting infrastructure through the donation of four phones equipped with caller ID and recorders.

Revealing that the GTT Business Solutions team is committed to a continued partnership with the Fire Service, Sales Lead of GTT Business Solutions, Vishwanath Ishwardin noted that in addition to the phones, GTT will also be providing a monthly report of all inbound calls to the 912 line to help track prank call-

ers.

It is unlawful to perform a prank call to an emergency service, a practice that has increased in the past few years and hampers the Service’s ability to effectively perform its duties.

“GTT Business Solutions is elated to provide this solution to the Fire Service and by extension, all in Guyana, bolstering our commitment to the customer to strengthen the community,” Ishwardin explained.

Stemming from a commitment made during a meeting in February last, this initiative will improve the

capacity of the Fire Service to provide timely responses to fire reports. According to Fire Chief (ag), Gregory Wickham, the phones will allow the Service to see a reduction in the prank calls being made to the Fire Service through the caller ID capturing and conversation recording functionalities.

“I am grateful for this seasoned partnership and look forward to more support from the GTT team to help improve our work and operations. These phones will make the Service more efficient,” the acting Fire Chief added.

T

he Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) continues to engage communities through its community outreaches and is encouraging customers to participate in these engagements.

This initiative denotes the company’s efforts to continue to strengthen relations with its customers.

It is anticipated that these community engagements will enable the company to better understand the challenges customers are experiencing and how to further improve customer service. However, this can only be achieved once customers actively participate.

Therefore, GPL wishes

to encourage its customers to participate in the community engagements when it is being held in their communities.

Communities will be informed in advance of planned outreaches.

On Wednesday, March 30, 2022, the company held its second community outreach since the year started at the Blairmont Sports Ground, West Bank Berbice. GPL’s staff engaged residents of Shieldstown, Zorgen-Hoop, Balthyck, Old Scheme and Ithaca.

During the engagement, residents were able to make applications for electricity and provide feedback on the company’s services and related mat-

ters for attention. They were also informed of the services offered.

GPL’s team comprised of Assistant Corporate Communication Officer Ranetta La Fleur, Customer Services Officer Bibi Khan, Onverwagt Customer Services Supervisor Pearl London, Electrical Engineer Metering Department Godfrey Success and other support staff of Customer Services and Loss Reduction.

These outreach are planned for other communities in Berbice and Demerara, Essequibo, and Bartica. In February a similar outreach was held in Black Bush Polder.

16 NEWS $37M modern Magistrate’s Court commissioned in Kwakwani SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– to commence hearing of several cases, including murder, sexual offences al of matters, he said that the Executive and Judiciary are working on a case management system that will be launched by mid-2022.

The Senior Counsel disclosed that the Mahaicony, Cove and John, and Vigilance Magistrate’s Courts on the East Coast of Demerara are being refur-

bished. Rehabilitation works are currently undergoing at the Mahdia, Bartica, and Providence Magistrate’s Courts. He revealed that two new Magistrate’s Courts will be constructed on the East Bank of Demerara at Soesdyke and Friendship while a Magistrate’s Court will be built at La Parfaite

Harmonie, West Bank of Demerara.

Recognising that the stability and strength of the justice sector are paramount to public trust and investor confidence, the Government has set aside $4.5 billion in the 2022 budget to fund various works for advancing the sector.

MoH monitoring 78 active COVID cases Attorney General Anil Nandlall assisting a pupil of Kwakwani Primary School to cut the ceremonial ribbon in the presence of members of the judiciary

A

$37 million modern Magistrate’s Court officially opened on Friday in Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), which is part of the Upper Demerara River Magisterial District.

The one-flat retrofitted courthouse is aimed at making access to justice easier for citizens. The court, which consists of living quarters for Magistrates and court staff, briefing rooms for lawyers/ prosecutors, and a lock-up for prisoners, will sit on the first and third Fridays of every month.

Delivering remarks at the opening ceremony was Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who said that the building acquired from the State to house the court was derelict and had to undergo massive refurbishment.

She said, “It was an old derelict building which had to be refurbished. But repairs and paint have caused wonders and have transformed it into a courthouse.”

The retrofitting of the building was done at the cost of $37, 856, 838.

Magistrate’s Court sittings in Kwakwani began in January 2001 under the tenure of late former Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Cecil Kennard and were held at the community centre, Police station, and other designated buildings.

The Chancellor said, “We did all of this to ensure that the ends of justice were met.

Whether it was rented facilities, borrowed facilities… we utilised whatever buildings were vacant. The conditions were not always ideal but we sojourned because we realised that justice had to be served and persons had to have access to justice”. She said the new courthouse has a recording unit and internet service although there are some challenges in the community with bandwidth.

To this end, Justice Cummings said that the Judiciary will ensure that justice and fairness “flow like a river” in Kwakwani.

This, she noted, is also the Judiciary’s goal and vision for all the courts throughout

the 83,000 square miles of Guyana.

According to the Head of the Judiciary, there are quite a number of cases for hearing in the Kwakwani district, including cases for traffic offences, domestic violence, murder, assault, attempted murder, sexual offences, and noise nuisance. She encour-

He explained that it is the justice system and the rule of law that protect life.

He said they also protect our ability to speak, move, celebrate, and do so many things that people take for granted.

Nandlall said, too, that many times people forget that it is the Magistrate’s Courts where tens of thousands of

…5 new infections in 1 day

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD APRIL 1, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

5

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

8

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

An external view of the new courthouse

aged residents in the community to maintain law and order.

The Chancellor promised them that if the need arises for the court, which is being presided over by Magistrate Wanda Fortune, to sit more frequently, permission will be granted.

Fundamental pillars Also delivering remarks at the ceremony was Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, who reminded that the Judiciary is one of the fundamental pillars upon which a modern and democratic society stands.

In recognising the significant role the Judiciary plays and must continue to play as “we strive to develop the country”, the Attorney General assured that the Government will continue to partner with the Judiciary in many endeavours.

Nandlall said that the Government will do so with the recognition that access to justice is an inalienable right of our people. Against this backdrop, he added, “Many times you hear about access to healthcare, access to housing, access to water, and access to other important facilities. Access to justice is equally as important, if not perhaps, the most important of all the rights that a citizen is entitled to.”

citizens go every working day to have their cases heard and their grievances ventilated.

“And to them, no matter how trivial that case may be, it invariably is one of the most significant things going on in their individual lives.

And the impression that they get based upon the treatment that they receive, the facilities that they are afforded, the accommodation that they enjoy, they take that with them home and that sometimes remains with them for a very, very long time.”

The Attorney General applauded the Chancellor and Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, SC, who was also in attendance, for championing efforts to modernise the country’s justice system while noting that the Government has not been “stingy” in allocating resources to the Judiciary. “I would like to recognise the efforts of the Chancellor and the Chief Justice in leading the judicial efforts in bringing the most modern facilities to the most rural locations…”

He implored the residents to care the court like it is their own since it is there for their benefit, for their comfort, and to ensure that their many cases are afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time. With regards to the timely dispos-

66 4

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

11

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,128

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,130

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,258

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

61,954

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2518

REGION 2

2491

REGION 3

8048

REGION 4

31,276

REGION 5

2379

REGION 6

5752

REGION 7

2423

REGION 8

887

REGION 9

4016

REGION 10

3468

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Wear a face mask.

436,452 333,910

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1226

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181.

O

nly five persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Guyana within one day, the Health Ministry reported on Friday. Active cases are now at 78.

The dashboard showed deaths at 1226 after no fatalities surfaced. Meanwhile, four persons are in the Intensive Care Unit, eight in institutional isolation, 66 in home isolation and 11 in institutional quarantine.

Out of the 63,258 persons confirmed positive in the country, 61,954 recovered. A total of 29,130 males and 34,128 females were infected within the past two years. Additionally, 570,381 swabs were processed to detect the virus.

Latest vaccination statistics indicate that 438,224 persons or 85.4 per cent of the adult population have taken a first dose while second doses account for 336,871 or 65.7 per cent.

For the 12 to 17 group, 34,309 first doses and 25,008 second doses have been administered. This is equivalent to 47 per cent and 34.3 per cent, respectively. This group has been lagging behind, as calls continue for parents to give consent for their children to take the shots. Some 58,340 persons have taken a booster shot.

This week, authorities announced that the possibility of offering a fourth dose is being mulled. Additionally, Government is looking at

introducing booster shots for the 12 to 17 age group.

After deliberations, it will be determined whether the Health Ministry will move forward with this plan.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

Globally, over 485 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.1 million have died. In the Americas, more than 150 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.69 million deaths.

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 50 businesses participate in Women in Business Expo 2022 A s the month of March comes to an end, fashion icon Sonia Noel hosted her 6th Women in Business Expo at the Pegasus Hotel in observance of International Women’s Day held earlier this month. The expo saw over 50 women-owned businesses showcasing their products.

The expo, in its sixth year, encouraged and empowered women from all walks of life who have a passion for entrepreneurship to dive into the business world and make a name for themselves.

Noel stated that since its materialisation, the event was put on a virtual pause when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Guyana. She said that this gave the exhibitors time to improve their craft and she has noticed significant improvement from the exhibitors at this year's Women in Business Expo.

“Women in Business Expo, we started in 2016, we took a break, we had actually the virtual edition and now we’re back here 2022. What I think I love about what I am seeing… some of the exhibitors that you are going to meet today definitely emerged out of that [the pandemic]. And what I have noticed, and not just me, the feedback from patrons, they’re saying oh my god those products that we’re seeing are really at a different level. People had time to reflect and re-tweak

their brand,” she said.

She noted that the event this year beaconed women from all over the country, not only from the business-driven capital of Guyana, something she is very proud of and excited about.

“We have over fifty exhibitors from all walks of life, not just Georgetown, we have from Linden also.

We have from Berbice,” she revealed.

One thing that stood out at the expo that struck Noel was the kindness and willingness of the exhibitors.

She told this publication in an interview that she admired that the exhibitors who didn’t know each other were very helpful to each other.

“It’s really awesome to be in this atmosphere. And one of the great things I love about seeing them, they’re

helping each other. You know sometimes you find a business environment can be very competitive. What you find is that it has been extremely helpful,” she noticed excitedly.

Tonette Leacock, the owner of TLC Extraordinary Products, a small business that specialises in making finger foods like Guyanese tamarind balls, among other things, who has been a part of the expo for the past three years, said that event has enhanced her business personality and that she is always willing to be a part of the event.

“I feel excellent about it,” she said. “From the time I hear women in Business Expo I’m always excited,” she added.

Representative of Camille’s Academy, Rebecca Hansraj expressed similar sentiments.

5 nabbed with $12.9M...

Shortly after, another motor car, PSS 4046, pulled up beside that car and parked opposite the aforementioned address. The court heard that Herbert came out of the car with a black plastic bag and went into a house where Lena Narine was standing at the front door.

At this point, agents of CANU went into the yard and entered the house where they saw Butcher, Jamal Narine, and Gregory Faria. The ranks found a black plastic bag on a plastic chair. Several brown parcels with green markings containing cocaine were found in the black plastic bag. A further search was conducted in the house in their presence during which another set of brown parcels containing a quantity of cocaine were found under three chair cushions.

The drug enforcement agents also searched motor car HC 577 after they saw Lena Narine placing a pink bag in it. The bag contained a quantity of grey, yellow and orange ecstasy pills.

As a result, the five per-

Patrons purchasing items at one of the booths

An exhibitor at the Expo at the Pegasus Hotel

sons were arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters where the illicit drugs were weighed and marked in their presence.

The cocaine carries a street value of approximately $12.5 million. CANU estimates that the ecstasy pills are worth $400,000.

Police Prosecutor Richard Harris told the court that the driver of the taxi provided Police with a caution statement detailing his involvement with the accused persons. The prosecutor said that Herbert also give a caution statement in which he outlined his involvement with his co-accused in trafficking narcotics.

But there was a sudden twist in events when a man accompanied by Attorneyat-Law Patrice Henry appeared at court claiming ownership of the narcotics.

However, the Police prosecutor urged the court not to entertain any remarks from the man as he suspects his actions might be a ploy to take the rap from the others. The prosecutor urged the man to make a report at

FROM PAGE 11

CANU Headquarters.

Meanwhile, during a bail application, Butcher’s lawyer told the court that his client does not reside at the address mentioned in the charge. The lawyer contended that this special circumstance allows for his client to be admitted to reasonable bail.

For his part, Attorney Hughes said that his client and the other accused persons were taken from one Police station to another.

In light of this, the lawyer urged the court to consider the admissibility of his client’s purported caution statement.

Attorney Singh-Lammy told the court that the narcotics could have belonged to anyone since the property is occupied by multiple persons. In light of the lawyers’ contentions, the Magistrate granted bail to each of the accused persons in the sum of $500,000.

Lena Narine’s bail totals $1 million since she was granted $500,000 bail on each of the two charges. The matter continues on May 4 for disclosure of statements.

A section of the Women In Business Expo on Thursday

“I think it’s a very good opportunity for women to enhance their ability and to showcase what we as women can do. For a long time, women's abilities have been hidden and now this is an opportunity for women to boost themselves, to be up there,” Hansraj related.

Noel encouraged young entrepreneurs to take the next step and register for next year’s expo.

“I would really like to encourage, especially young entrepreneurs that, you know, a lot of them are coming to the expo and say that they’re being in that environment where they’re inspired and saying you know what, Miss Noel, I think I wanna do this, I want to register next year. I’m loving that because they want to just venture out because of just being in this atmosphere.”

Persons at the 6th Women in Business Expo 2022 held at the Pegasus Hotel

She added that the, “entrepreneurial journey is not for the faint of heart but it’s possible”.

Noel also thanked all the persons and entities that helped her with Women in Business Expo 2022; 93.1 Real FM, Stanley Ming, Dr Sabetha Singh of Cardinal

Services from Texas, Pegasus Hotel, Mings Products and Services, Impression, Spotlight Production, and Beacon Cafe.

The expo commenced on March 30 and will conclude on April 1 at the Pegasus Hotel.

3 held in bus transporting...

FROM PAGE 8

According to CANU, a Smith & Wesson .40 calibre pistol with a magazine containing eight bullets was also found in the vehicle.

As a result, the three men were arrested and escorted to CANU’s Headquarters where the drug, which carries an estimated street value of $12.5 million, was weighed in their presence.

The three accused were represented by Attorney-atLaw Konyo Sandiford.

The cocaine and gun that were allegedly found in the bus

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022

Regional

Mexican President poised St Vincent MP threatens to give to win historic, polarising Minister a “Chris Rock special” referendum on his rule L

M

exican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is this month poised for victory in a referendum on his rule that could fortify his authority during the final stretch of his Administration even as critics dismiss the vote as a sideshow.

The recall referendum on April 10 has given the popular leftist Lopez Obrador a focal point for his constant broadsides against the opposition, which is struggling to capitalize on the troubles he has had delivering on promises.

Lopez Obrador argues the first-of-its-kind vote, which he himself called, is vital to validate his democratic mandate. Much of the opposition sees it as a distraction from governing a country where presidents can only serve a single sixyear term.

“It reaffirms the principle that the people are sovereign, that they are the ones in charge,” Lopez Obrador said of the vote late last year. “(And) the conser-

A billboard promoting the April 10 recall referendum on the presidency of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is pictured in Chalco, Mexico March 23, 2022

vatives don’t like it.”

Many people, however, seem indifferent.

A poll published in early March by newspaper El Financiero showed 52 per cent regarded the referendum as unnecessary. Some 42 per cent took the opposing view. Still, when asked whether Lopez Obrador should finish his term, 63 per cent said “yes”. Only 30 per cent said no.

The survey estimated between 18 per cent and 27 per

cent of the electorate would take part, well below the 40 per cent threshold required to make the result binding, even though the President has said he will step down if he loses, irrespective of turnout.

He has helped to keep the referendum in the public eye by accusing the national electoral institute of siding with his critics, and trying to undermine the vote, which it denies. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Antigua says it is willing to help UK seize Abramovich yachts

A

ntigua and Barbuda is willing to help Britain seize yachts owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, the Caribbean nation said on Friday, adding London must seek such assistance via an international treaty.

The Financial Times first reported the vessels Halo and Garcon, currently moored in Antigua and Barbuda, were owned by Abramovich via a British Virgin Islands company that was on the Britain’s sanctions list.

Antigua alone would have no way to seize or detain the vessels because they have not been linked to any crimes committed there, said Ronald Sanders, the

country’s ambassador to the United States.

Doing so would require a formal request under the two countries’ mutual legal assistance treaty, a common mechanism by which nations cooperate with one another to help enforce laws.

“We’ve said that we’re quite happy to cooperate, but under the rule of law,” Sanders said in a telephone interview.

“The only way we can (seize the vessels) is if the British in their mutual legal assistance treaty request establish that this is a person they want because he has committed some crime.”

A March 29 letter from the British Virgin Islands to Antigua and Barbuda, seen by Reuters, says

Abramovich is the owner of the firm Wenham Overseas Limited.

A letter written to Antigua’s customs agency by law firm Ince Germany, seen by Reuters, says that Abramovich “is neither part of the ownership structure nor is he a beneficiary of the M/Y ‘Garcon’.”

Superyachts linked to Abramovich, together worth an estimated $1.2 billion, have been docked in southwest Turkey since last week.

Western governments have targeted Abramovich and several other Russian oligarchs with sanctions as they seek to isolate President Vladimir Putin and his allies over the invasion of Ukraine. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Peru’s monthly inflation hit 26-year high in March

P

eru’s inflation hit in March its highest level in more than two decades, the Government said on Friday, driven by rising global fuel and food prices amid the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The Andean country’s consumer prices rose 1.48 per cent last month, the highest since the 1.53 per cent seen in February 1996,

according to historical data provided by the Peruvian central bank.

In the first quarter of 2022, consumer prices in the Lima metropolitan region - which are seen as the national benchmark - stood at 1.84 per cent, the government’s statistics agency said.

The National Institute of Statistics and Information

also said that Peru’s inflation in the past 12 months now stands at 6.82 per cent, well above the central bank’s annual target of 1 per cent to 3 per cent.

In 2021, the South American country - the world’s No. 2 copper producer - posted an annual inflation of 6.43 per cent, the highest rate in 13 years. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ess than a week after the slapping incident at the Oscars, a St Vincent and the Grenadines Member of Parliament (MP) threatened to give one of his colleagues a “Chris Rock Special.”

Daniel Cummings told Minister of Public Service Frederick Stephenson that he would have gotten a “special” were they near each other.

On Sunday, actor Will Smith slapped comedian and Academy Award host Chris Rock over a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada.

Cummings was debating a resolution, COVID-19 (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2021, (No 32 Of 2021) when he made the comments.

“On this side of the house, one of the portfolios I shadow is health. And, therefore, I have been on the forefront of discussing matters relating to COVID from this side,” Cummings was quoted as saying.

“From overseas,” Stephenson retorted from across the floor.

However, Cummings was not finished. He responded: “Madam Speaker, I charge you to advise the Honourable Minister, who makes these cynical comments about my medical attention, to resist being asinine in his comments because that is what he’s doing. You do not make snide remarks about people’s medical needs.”

Stephenson answered, “I never mentioned your medi-

cal needs.”

But, Cummings continued: “If he were close to me, he would get a Chris Rock special.”

Some laughter and applause erupted, and the Speaker, Rochelle Forde, banged her gavel in an attempt to restore order.

Cummings spent about a year in Trinidad where he had gone for medical attention for a back injury he said he suffered in Parliament when he and other opposition lawmakers were thrown out of the assembly chamber in March 2011.

The MP was prevented from leaving Trinidad after the country closed its borders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

4 more lives lost to COVID-19 in T&T

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our more lives have been lost to COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Health. The Ministry said three (3) of the deceased had multiple comorbidities, and one (1) person had one comorbidity.

Two of those reported dead from COVID-19 were elderly females; one deceased person was an elderly male; and one deceased person was a middle-aged male. Among the comorbidities from which they suffered were diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascu-

lar disease, lung disease, liver disease, and endocrine disease.

The Ministry noted that these latest deaths have pushed up the national death toll to 3754 lives lost.

Also in its update for today, Friday April 1, 2022, the Ministry of Health reported that 299 people have tested positive for COVID-19, based on samples taken between March 29 and 31, 2022.

These new infections mean the number of active cases in the country now stands at 6754.

As of today, Friday April

1, 2022, some 138,159 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago since pandemic tracking began in March 2020.

Currently, some 709,101 people in the country are fully vaccinated, having completed either a one-dose or two-doses regimen of a COVID-19 vaccine.

And some 145,843 people have received their booster doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, as of today, Friday, the Ministry’s update reported. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Brazilian democracy is under threat, says head of electoral court

B

razilian democracy is being “threatened,” Edson Fachin, the president of Brazil’s electoral court (TSE), said on Friday, saying the country faced “a turbulent period” ahead of a fraught October presidential election.

Fachin’s comments come as polls show President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right former army who has repeatedly questioned the credibility of Brazil’s electronic voting system, narrowing the gap on leftist frontrunner Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s lead.

Bolsonaro’s baseless comments about electoral fraud have prompted some to suggest he may follow the example of former US President Donald Trump, and refuse to accept any election loss. The tighter the margin between the two rivals, the greater the chances of an electoral crisis, experts say.

“Electoral justice is under attack. Democracy is threatened. Constitutional society is on alert,” Fachin told a gathering of regional electoral appeals court judges. “It is necessary, in the fulfillment of the duties inherent to constitutional legality, to defend electoral

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro took part in an event with members of the Liberal Party and supporters as he presented his candidacy for the next presidential election, in Brasilia, Brazil, March 27, 2022

justice, democracy, and the electoral process.”

Fachin said the court would “not sharpen the circus of conspiratorial narratives of the social networks, nor animate discord and disorder, much less anti-democratic agendas.”

He added that the electoral court’s goal this year “is to ensure that the results of the electoral process correspond to the legitimate will of the voters.”

Despite improving in the polls, Bolsonaro still faces an uphill battle to win re-elec-

tion, with voters angry at his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as high inflation and rising fuel prices.

The TSE, along with Brazil’s supreme court, has played a central role in forcing tech companies and social networks to better police users in the country who peddle disinformation around election fraud and COVID-19 science.

Both courts have been targeted by Bolsonaro and his supporters, who accuse them of judicial overreach.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil falls most in 2 years after oil stockpile release

O

il settled lower on Friday as members of the International Energy Agency (IEA) agreed to join in the largest-ever US oil reserves release.

Both Brent and US crude benchmarks settled down around 13 per cent in their biggest weekly falls in two years after US President Joe Biden announced the release on Thursday.

Brent crude futures were down 32 cents, or 0.3 per cent, at US$104.39 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell US$1.01, or 1 per cent, at US$99.27.

Biden announced a release of 1 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil for six months from May, which at 180 million barrels is the largest release ever from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

Member countries of the International Energy Agency did not agree Friday on volumes or the commitments of each country at their emergency meeting, said Hidechika Koizumi, director of the international affairs division at Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. He added that additional details could be known "within next week or so."

OPEC+, which includes the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, on Thursday stuck with plans for an increase of 432,000 bpd to their May output target despite Western pressure to add more.

US energy firms last week added oil and natural gas rigs for a second week in a row but growth in the rig count remains slow as drillers continue to return cash to shareholders from high crude prices rather than boost production.

"The looming flood of US barrels does not change the fact that the market will struggle to find enough supply in the coming months," PVM analyst Stephen Brennock said.

"The US release pales in comparison to expectations that 3 million bpd of Russian oil will be shut in as sanctions bite and buyers spurn purchases."

In a bearish signal for demand, China's commercial hub of Shanghai ground to a halt on Friday after the Government locked down most of the city's 26 million residents, aiming to stop the spread of COVID-19.

JPMorgan said in a note it had kept its price forecasts unchanged at US$114 a barrel for the second quarter and US$101 a barrel in the second half of this year.

"Crucially, we recognise that a release of oil inventories is not a persistent source of supply, and if stranded Russian barrels average more than 1 million bpd next year, this will leave 2023 in a deep deficit, rendering our US$98 a barrel price forecast for the year too low," the bank said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

South Korean court upholds tattooing ban

T

he Constitutional Court in Seoul upheld a ban on tattooing on Thursday, confirming South Korea as the only developed country that permits no one but medical professionals to perform the procedure.

Tattoo artists derided the decision, calling it backward and lacking cultural understanding.

Despite the decades-old ban, South Korea has nearly 50,000 tattoo artists, who risk Police raids and prosecution for practicing their trade.

Violating the ban is punishable by fines of up to 50 million won (US$41,300) and prison terms - usually two years, though the law provides for as much as life.

Tattooist associations have initiated a series of court actions since 2017 challenging the law, saying it breaches their freedom of expression and right to engage in an occupation.

In a 5-4 vote, the Constitutional Court ruled

on Thursday that the law was constitutional. It dismissed the suits, saying tattooing brings potential side effects and safety issues.

"The limited medical knowledge and skills involved in tattooing cannot ensure the levels of treatment that medical professionals can provide, treatment that may be needed before or after the procedure," the verdict said.

A union of 650 tattoo artists issued a statement condemning the decision, calling it "retrograde" and "not worth a penny."

While tattoos are usually covered up on television, many Korean celebrities, including members of K-pop bands, have flaunted them on social media.

Polls show most South Koreans support legalisation of tattooing, but medical associations oppose it, saying its use of needles is an invasive procedure that could damage the body.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine denies attacking fuel depot inside Russia, Mayor says fire almost out

R

ussia accused Ukraine of carrying out an air strike against a fuel depot in the Russian city of Belgorod on Friday, an incident the Kremlin said could affect peace talks, but a top Kyiv security official denied responsibility.

Russia's Defence Ministry said two Ukrainian helicopters struck the facility in Belgorod, some 35 km (22 miles) from the border with Ukraine, after entering Russia at extremely low altitude at around 5 am Moscow time (0200 GMT).

The resulting blaze forced the evacuation of some people but late in the day Belgorod Mayor Anton Ivanov said fire services were extinguishing the last remnants.

"There is no threat to human life and health. All residents can return to their homes," he said in an online post.

Ukraine's top security official rebuffed the Russian accusation - the first by Moscow of an air strike on Russian soil since Moscow launched its invasion on Feb 24. Belgorod is

A still image taken from video footage shows a fuel depot on fire in the city of Belgorod, Russia April 1, 2022 (Russian Emergencies Ministry/Handout via Reuters)

one of Russia's main logistics hubs for the war.

"For some reason they say that we did it, but according to our information this does not correspond to reality," said Security Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov.

Earlier, Defence Ministry spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanyk said he would neither confirm nor deny a Ukrainian role.

"Ukraine is currently conducting a defensive operation against Russian aggression on the territory of Ukraine, and this does not mean that Ukraine is responsible for every catastrophe on Russia's

Pope Francis apologises for “pain and shame” of Canada residential schools

P

Indigenous leaders travelled to the Vatican for talks with the Pope

ope Francis has apologised to a Canadian Indigenous delegation for the Catholic Church's role in the country's residential school system.

The schools, operated for more than a century, were run as part of Government policy to assimilate Indigenous children and destroy their cultures.

The Roman Catholic Church operated up to 70 per cent of residential schools.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indigenous leaders welcomed the Pope's apology, calling it a step forward.

Echoing other Indigenous leaders gathered on Friday, Dene Nation National Chief Gerald Antoine called the papal apology "long overdue", saying it was a day "that will be lifted up in history".

Chief Antoine and his fellow leaders also said it will be important that a formal apology be made in Canada,

one of the 94 "calls to action" released in 2015 stemming from the landmark Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which looked into the legacy of residential schools.

The Pope on Friday confirmed he would make a trip to Canada later this year to meet Indigenous communities and to assist with reconciliation efforts.

In his apology, Pope Francis said the residential schools caused him "pain and shame" and asked for God's forgiveness.

"For the deplorable behaviour of those members of the Catholic Church, I ask forgiveness from God and I would like to tell you from the bottom of my heart that I am very pained," he said, speaking in Italian at the Vatican. "The content of faith cannot be transmitted in a way contrary to faith itself."

"I join my brother Canadian bishops in apologising," he added. (Excerpt from BBC News)

territory," he said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin had been briefed about the incident.

Peskov said the strike could jeopardise Moscow's peace negotiations with Kyiv.

Ukraine's Danilov retorted: "He says it doesn't help talks, but does it help talks when they kill our children, our women - these outrages they commit on our land?

These people are kind of sick."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Police find 5 foetuses at the home of US anti-abortion activist

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ive foetuses have been discovered in a US home reportedly belonging to an anti-abortion activist, Police say.

Lauren Handy, 28, is a leader of the Progressive AntiAbortion Uprising (PAAU) group and describes herself as a "Catholic anarchist".

Police said they were investigating a "potential bio-hazard material" when the foetuses were found.

Handy was separately indicted on Wednesday for forcing entry into an abortion clinic in 2020.

She was photographed outside the Washington DC address on Wednesday as investigators removed items from the basement in bags and coolers.

She told local news outlet WUSA9 that "people would freak out when they heard" what was inside the containers being seized.

Local police said they could not confirm if the home where the foetuses were found was in fact Handy's. However, two

law enforcement officials told the Washington Post that the house was where Handy was arrested and had lived or stayed.

"There doesn't seem to be anything criminal in nature about that except for how they got into this house," Ashan Benedict, executive Assistant Washington DC Police Chief, said at a news conference.

Handy recently claimed to have "gained access" to a foetal tissue and organ bank at the University of Washington in Seattle, but the university said nothing was taken.

According to a separate federal indictment issued on Thursday, Handy made an appointment at an abortion provider, the Washington Surgi-Clinic in DC, for 22 October 2020 under the name Hazel Jenkins, saying she wanted an abortion.

But upon her arrival, a group "forcefully entered the clinic", the indictment says, knocking over a clinic employee who injured her ankle.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Rising hunger looms in Sudan, with little aid in sight

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illions more Sudanese are set to go hungry this year as economic turmoil and erratic rains drive up prices and reduce harvests, with a halt to foreign assistance and the war in Ukraine putting food supplies at further risk.

The rising levels of hunger forecast by United Nations agencies threaten to further destabilise a country that faces growing conflict and poverty following a military takeover last year.

Sudan has been mired in economic crisis since before the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in an uprising in 2019. A transitional government attracted billions of dollars in international support, but that was suspended after the coup, placing Sudan on the brink of economic collapse.

Currency devaluations and subsidy reforms have driven up prices, and inflation is running at more than

250 per cent. In the capital Khartoum, the cost of ever-shrinking small loaves of bread has risen from 2 Sudanese pounds two years ago to about 50 pounds (US$0.11) today.

Some 87 per cent of Sudan's imported wheat comes from Russia and Ukraine, according to FAO data, making it one of the Arab world's most exposed countries to the war in Ukraine.

The World Bank estimates that in 2021, 56 per cent of Sudan's population of around 44 million were surviving on less than US$3.20, or about 2000 pounds per day, one of its global poverty lines, up from 43 per cent in 2009.

Last week the World Food Programme estimated that the number of people experiencing levels of hunger that will force them to sell essential assets, or who will have nothing more to sell, will double by September to 18 million. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Go after your dream and put a plan in place that ensures success. Intelligence and persuasive charm will help you drum up the help required to make things happen. Love is on the rise.

(March 21-April 19) Find an outlet that challenges you to try something different. Participating in events that incorporate work and fun will test your strength and ability to be a team player.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

Share information with someone trying to reach the same objective and you will save time. A partnership looks promising if you can put your differences aside and concentrate on what’s important.

Do your own thing. Inviting others to join in will result in emotional ups and downs and costly disagreements.

A change of heart is likely if you try to force your will on someone.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Relax, spend time with people who make you smile and distance yourself from stressful situations. Make self-improvement and quality of life your priorities, and bring about positive change.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Embrace change, and you will discover something that makes you happy. Find something you feel passionate about, and dig in and make a difference.

Participation will lead to knowledge.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Take control and share your thoughts.

Get involved in activities that require you to use your physical and mental skills to get things done, and you’ll make an impression. Romance is in the stars.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Don’t give up on someone or something that means a lot to you. Patience will help, and your intuition won’t let you down. Connect the dots, and what’s happening will become apparent.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Participate in events that bring you closer to friends or family. Your input and ability to bring everyone together will position you to lead the way. Trust your instincts and follow your heart.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Don’t argue. If you are fun to be with, everyone will want to be with you.

Lighten up and enjoy what life has to offer. A change of pace and scenery will help you see things differently.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Consider what you enjoy doing most and head in that direction. Use your knowledge and experience to help you navigate your way through any interference you encounter. Distance yourself from bullies.

Put some energy behind your ideas, and you’ll be surprised by what you accomplish. Tuck yourself away in a spot that is quiet and conducive to doing something that brings you joy.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022

21

IPL 2022…

Russell's 70 off 31 helps Knight Riders brush aside Punjab Kings

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wo of the most exciting sides in this IPL 2022 have thrown punches at each other, but the toss disadvantage proved too much for Punjab Kings against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Kings played the game Knight Riders did two nights ago in an attempt to provide for the inevitable dew and chasing advantage: just keep going hard, and refuse to rebuild until that is the last option left. It is a shame that, just like for Knight Riders, it didn't work out for Kings. They were bowled out for 137 with 10 balls to spare, a total KKR chased down in 14.3 overs, despite being 51 for 4 at one stage.

Right from their team selection, Knight Riders kept picking the aggressive option. They replaced a wicketkeeper-batter with a specialist bowler, went for wickets every time Kings threatened to run away, bowled out their four main bowlers in the first 17 to try to bowl Kings out; and then, at 51 for 4, a circumspect Andre Russell saw them through with 70 off 31.

Crash! Bang! Wallop!

Of the eight sixes that he hit, Russell said he nailed only one; that's how difficult it was going to be to defend if Kings had put on a par score. And with the build-up of their side, they were not going to go for a par score.

Mayank Agarwal got himself out playing across the line in the first over. Bhanuka Rajapaksa responded with some sweet aerial clips on the leg side in a nine-ball 31, but the suffering bowler Shivam Mavi got him with an aggressive short ball. With an off-cutter, Tim Southee then got the better of Shikhar Dhawan, who had just started to hit out. Kings were 62 for 3 in 5.5 overs.

Chakravarthy, Narine apply brakes These three overs might not get spoken about a lot, but Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine combined to bowl overs five, six and eight without a single boundary, conceding just 16 runs.

In the middle was Liam Livingstone. It

Umesh's hurrah Shreyas didn't try to sneak in a cheap over here. He went right back to Umesh Yadav, the joint-leading wickettaker in the IPL at that point. Umesh produced the wicket of Livingstone, refusing to give him a length full enough to loft. Narine then got the better of Raj Bawa.

At 85 for 5 in the 10th over, Kings made their first defensive move, holding back Odean Smith for later.

Chakravarthy and Narine, though, tightened the screws with two tight overs. Denied strike and runs, Shahrukh Khan jumped at the first ball of a new Southee over, and ended up top-edging a skier.

Shreyas went to Umesh again, and he took out Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar, to make it 102 for 8 in the 15th over.

Rabada's debut Shreyas now thought he could perhaps get away with not having to go back to Mavi. He bowled Chakravarthy's last in the 16th, and Southee's in the 17th. Rabada, who couldn't lay bat on Chakravarthy, enjoyed the pace Southee provided to take 16 runs off his over. And when Mavi travelled, too, it seemed Shreyas might have to pay for his aggression.

Russell, though, ended the innings in two balls in the 19th over.

Crash! Bang! Wallop! part 2 Ajinkya Rahane hit two fours in the first over, but was out in the next.

Venkatesh Iyer tried to blast one through cover-point, and got caught. Shreyas ran away to 26 off 11, but tried to burst through his poor match-up against Chahar and was caught off the slog sweep, to make it three dismissals in 15 balls against the legspinner.

Chahar then produced a beauty to have Nitish Rana lbw.

The Russell Show Not often does Russell get to bat inside the first 10 overs. He says his ideal entry point is around the 15th over, when around five overs are left in the innings. So, one way to make an eighth-over entry ideal was to end the game in 13.

However, the way Russell played Chahar, it didn't look like he was in any hurry. Two overs of

Rahul Chahar bowled 2-13 from his four overs

GGMC are champions of "It’s Pur Life-ARD" domino competition

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was all building up to something.

he Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have won the It’s Pur Life-ARD Trophy as the Inter Ministries/ Government Agencies Knockout Domino Competition which was played at the GPSU Hall at Regent Road & Shiv Chanderpaul Drive in Georgetown.

GGMC A came out on top with 47 games, while GGMC B bagged second place with 40 games and GPHC came in third with 39 games. The GGMC win of the ARD Trophy included medals and $100,000. The competition was organized by the Georgetown Office Assistants Promotion Committee (GOAPC), and was coordinated by James Lewis.

The next competition is billed for the Easter Weekend.

Special thanks are being extended to the ARD, formerly known as Ink Plus, and to Ken Phillips of Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs.

SCOREBOARD PUNJAB KINGS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Mayank Agarwal (c) lbw b Yadav 1 Shikhar Dhawan c †Billings b Southee 16 Bhanuka Rajapaksa † c Southee b Shivam Mavi 31 Liam Livingstone c Southee b Yadav 19 Raj Bawa b Narine 11 M Shahrukh Khan c Rana b Southee 0 Harpreet Brar b Yadav 14 Odean Smith not out 9 Rahul Chahar c Rana b Yadav 0 Kagiso Rabada c Southee b Russell 25 Arshdeep Singh run out (Rana/Russell) 0 Extras (lb 2, nb 2, w 7) 11 TOTAL (18.2 Ov, RR: 7.47) 137 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Mayank Agarwal, 0.6 ov), 2-43 (Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 3.5 ov), 3-62 (Shikhar Dhawan, 5.5 ov), 4-78 (Liam Livingstone, 8.6 ov), 5-84 (Raj Bawa, 9.3 ov), 6-92 (M Shahrukh Khan, 12.1 ov), 7-102 (Harpreet Brar, 14.2 ov), 8-102 (Rahul Chahar, 14.4 ov), 9-137 (Kagiso Rabada, 18.1 ov), 10-137 (Arshdeep Singh, 18.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Umesh Yadav 4-1-23-4 Tim Southee 4-0-36-2

Shivam Mavi 2-0-39-1 Varun Chakravarthy 4-0-14-0 Sunil Narine 4-0-23-1 Andre Russell 0.2-0-0-1 KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS INNINGS (TARGET: 138 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Ajinkya Rahane c Smith b Rabada 12 Venkatesh Iyer c Harpreet Brar b Smith 3 Shreyas Iyer (c) c Rabada b Chahar 26 Sam Billings †not out 24 Nitish Rana lbw b Chahar 0 Andre Russell not out 70 Extras (lb 1, nb 2, w 3) 6 TOTAL (14.3 Ov, RR: 9.72) 141/4 Did not bat: Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Mavi Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Ajinkya Rahane, 1.6 ov), 2-38 (Venkatesh Iyer, 4.3 ov), 3-51 (Shreyas Iyer, 6.4 ov), 4-51 (Nitish Rana, 6.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Arshdeep Singh 3-0-32-0 Kagiso Rabada 3-0-23-1 Odean Smith 2-0-39-1 Rahul Chahar 4-1-13-2 Harpreet Brar 2-0-20-0 Liam Livingstone 0.3-0-13-0

Russell at the wicket, and not a single boundary was scored or tried. It was getting uneasy. This is where Shreyas went for his wicket-takers in the first innings. Agarwal gave Harpreet's slow left-arm another over. It was too much respect to ask of Russell. He took two sixes over the bigger boundary in that over, before going ahead and playing out Chahar's next.

Agarwal had no choice but to go to one of the quicker bowlers in the 12th, and he chose Smith over Rabada. Russell took his fellow Jamaican apart in the 30-run over, dismantling his round-the-wicket plan. Sam Billings, who played a calm hand, cashed in a free hit last ball of the over.

Russell still showed no ego, and proceeded to play out Chahar's final over even when the asking rate was under four an over. He then took Knight Riders home in the 15th over with successive sixes off Andre Russell Livingstone. Almost the ideal entry point smashed 70 then. (Cricinfo) off 31 balls

ECCB/Navin-Hanso 50-over First Division cricket…

Chandrika, Khan centuries highlight first-round action Chandrika batting through the innings to stroke an unbeaten 101.

Richard Chatura took 3-29, while Amir Khan took 3-43 to complete a fine all-round performance.

In a match played at Strathavon, Mahaica Sports Club were skittled out for 77 in 24.1 overs, with Darshan Persaud making 30 and Andy Ali supporting with 26.

Prakash Chowti had impressive figures of 4-4 in 3.1 overs, and Gobindram Hemraj took 4-20 from 7 overs, bowling for Strathavon.

Strathavon took just 14.2 overs to get to their target, losing 3 wickets in the process. Prakash Chowti hit an unbeaten 20, while Chaves Ageday was unbeaten on 17 when the run chase was completed. Darshan Persaud took all 3 of the wickets to fall for Strathavon.

Zone B

F

Amir Khan

Rajendra Chandrika

ormer West Indies opener Rajendra Chandrika and former firstclass leg-spinner Amir Khan have both hit centuries to highlight the first round of the East Coast Cricket Board/Navin-Hanso 50-Over first division cricket competition played last weekend.

Zone A

At the Enterprise Community Centre Ground, Enmore Cricket Club defeated Enterprise Busta Sports Club by 88 runs. Batting first, Enmore CC made 245-7 off their allotted 50 overs, with Amir Khan hitting an even century before he was dismissed, while Chaitram Balgobin, batting at number six, supported well with 81.

Bowling for Enterprise Sports Club, Dave Persaud took 3-33.

In reply, Enterprise were dismissed for 167 in 38.1 overs, with

Over at the LBI Facility Ground, the home team lost to Ogle Cricket Club by 5 wickets. LBI Cricket Club took first strike after winning the toss, but only managed 112 before they were dismissed in the 42nd over.

Moonsammy Veerasammy top scored with 22, while D. Ranbalall was the chief destroyer with fantastic figures of 4-10 in 9 overs. B. Singh and D. Junior each took 2 wickets.

Ogle CC in reply, raced to their target in just 20.5 overs, losing 5 wickets in the process. Leading the run chase was A. Jitlall with 45.

Bowling for LBI CC, R. Deonarain had impressive figures of 3-13 in 4 overs, while Y. Bishun took 2-17.

Play in the ECCB/Navin-Hanso 50-Over first-division cricket competition continues on Sunday April 6, 2022 with a host of matches.

Strathavon take on Enterprise SC at Strathavon, Enmore CC host Fairfield CC, Mahaica battle Lusignan at Lusignan, Buxton oppose Golden Grove at Buxton, LBI host Better Hope, and at the Enterprise Community Centre ground, Ogle CC and Industry Stars will do battle.

22

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GBBFF concluding its first annual athletes and stakeholders’ outreach

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he Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) is wrapping up its first annual athletes and stakeholders’ outreach and registration.

For this year, six (6) outreaches and registration meetings have been done thus far in Linden on January 22nd and March 19th; in Berbice on January 29th and March 12th; and in Georgetown on February 12th and March 26th. The final athletes and stakeholders’ outreach and registration meeting will be held on the Essequibo Coast today, April 2nd, from 10am.

Upcoming events

The GBBFF will hold its Electoral AGM on April 17th at 2pm in the upper flat of the Fogarty’s Building on Water Street. The

GBBFF has secured the date and venue for the Novice and Mr Linden contests of 2022, and the date will be released at that AGM. The GBBFF has also secured the date and venue for the Intermediate contest of 2022 and the Mr Berbice contest. That date will be released at the said AGM.

CAC 2024

The GBBFF has received official permission from the Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (CACBBFF) for Guyana to host CAC 2024.

The executive of the GBBFF has already commenced budgeting and logistics planning in regard to hosting of CAC 2024.

IFBB

The executive of the GBBFF has received official word from IFBB that Guyana's bad debt from the early 2000s to 2021, totalling in excess of Gy$4M, will be erased, and Guyana will assume fresh payments from 2022.

For the year 2022, in terms of competitions held, Guyana sent Yannick Grimes and Lyndon Burnett to represent the Golden Arrowhead at the Giovanni Classic in Aruba on March 26th, 2022. Both athletes secured a bronze medal in their respective categories. The GBBFF hereby congratulates them both on their outstanding performance at that international competition.

Rooplall’s 201* highlights third round of ESCL Over-40 competition

P

Patrick Rooplall

ugnacious opening batsman Patrick Rooplall has struck an unbeaten 201 for the Caribbean Cricket Club (CCC) in the third round of the Essequibo Softball Cricket League’s (ESCL’s) Over-40, 20-over competition.

Last Sunday, at the Affiance ground on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), the right-handed Rooplall hit 23 sixes and six fours as the CCC amassed a massive 283-3 from their 20-overs against Sunrisers Masters.

Kumar Boodram, playing second fiddle to

the flamboyant Rooplall, contributed 36.

This is Rooplall’s second double-century in this year’s edition of the tournament.

Sunrisers Masters made 138-7 at the expiration of their 20 overs, losing by 145 runs.

Latchman Persaud offered a fight with 35, as Yaseer Mohamed and Ekie Baksh claimed three and two wickets respectively.

At Hibernia, Ravens Sports Club whipped Hibernia Strikers by 197 runs. Ravens posted a formidable 262-5 from their 20 overs, while Strikers responded with only 65 all out in the 16th over.

Punraj Singh led the way for Ravens with 109, while Vishnu Haripaul supported

GSCL Inc mourns the loss of softball veteran Lakeram ‘Mike’ Singh

Mike’s Wellman is one of the top softball teams in Guyana

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Lakeram Singh

he executives and members of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL) have been saddened by the untimely passing of Lakeram “Mike” Singh of the Mike’s Wellman Softball Cricket Team.

The GSCL has said it

wishes to extend sympathy to the immediate family members of Singh, the staff of Mike’s Pharmacy, his former teammates, and by extension the entire cricket fraternity, on the passing of this softball cricket stalwart.

A statement posted by the GSCL on its Facebook page has said, “The news of ‘Mike’ as he is called, has placed a damper on the ongoing Florida Cup in Fort Lauderdale, but, as a league, we will dedicate the rest of the tournament to our beloved friend, who was on his maiden tour with Mike’s Wellman. Our prayers are with his wife, children, other

relatives, and many friends at this difficult time. We have lost a true gentleman who was a fierce competitor on the field. Mikey died while doing what he loved.

Rest in peace, Mikey. Until we meet again. Well played, champion.”

At the time of his death, Singh, who was fondly called Shane Warne because of his huge turning leg breaks, was leading his side in their second preliminary round match of the Florida Cup 2022 when he collapsed on the field after bowling his spell.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

his effort with 68.

Glendon Smith grabbed 5-25 off his maximum four overs bowling for Ravens, while Punraj Singh proved his all-round capability by snatching four wickets for 29 runs off four overs as well.

And in the other game played at Hibernia ground, Queenstown Tigers defeated Devonshire Castle by a thrill-

ing two-wicket margin.

Devonshire Castle posted a respectable 207-6 from their allotment of 20 overs, while Tigers responded with 209-8 in their 18th over.

Motielall Deepnarine scored 50 for the winning combination, and 31 came from the consistent Lloyd Innis.

Wayne Moore collected 2-42 from four expensive overs.

In Devonshire Castle’s innings, Darshanan Lall hit 75, while Anil Persaud made 31.

The action will continue on Sunday with three matches being played at Zorg Beach.

Ravens will tackle Sunrisers Masters, while Queenstown Tigers will come up against Hibernia Strikers, and CCC would confront Devonshire Castle.

DCB/Premier Insurance U15 Inter-Association tourney…

East Bank Demerara humble Upper Demerara, West Bank Demerara

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ction in the DCB/ Premier Insurance U15 InterAssociation 2022 tournament continued with two rounds of matches being played on Wednesday March 30 and Friday April 01.

On Friday, Dravid Manohar’s five-wicket haul helped the East Bank side to claim victory over the Upper Demerara team at Farm Ground.

Having won the toss, Upper Demerara decided to bowl first, and restricted the East Bank side to 77 all out in 28.4 overs. Sayyad Lakeram top scored with 21, while no other batter scored double figures.

Keron Phillips collected 4 for 16 while Javid Chaitram supported with 2 for 23.

In reply, Upper Demerara struggled, and fell for 40 from 20.5 overs, as Manohar claimed 5 for 12 and Lakeram took 4 for 14. East Bank won by 37 runs.

On Wednesday March 30, East Bank humbled West Demerara, with Josiah Lim scoring an unbeaten half century while Dravid Manohar ripped through the batting line up.

Over at Meter-MeerZorg, West Demerara won the toss and elect-

ed to bat. They scored 108 all out from 48.4 overs, while Arvin Suknanan scored 20, Shaker Lall 18, and Parmeshwar Ram 12.

Dravid Manohar was the most instrumental bowler, grabbing 6 for 24.

In reply, East Bank raced to victory, losing only three wickets in 13.2 overs.

L i m scored a brilliant 69 not out, and East Bank received support from Manohar, who came back with a

good all-round performance in scoring 17. East Bank won by 7 wickets.

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FOR SALE 5 Bedroom House in Better Hope, E.C.D. Price $35m (Neg). Tel.: 6607935

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Restaurant for Rent – West Bank Demerara (at Aracari Resort, Versailles – between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop). Turn Key Business. Covid-19 Reduced Capacity 60; furnished and equipped.

Phone 264-2946; 626-5290

ENTERTAINMENT Swimming Pool Family Fun & Picnic – Crystal Clear Pool. Kids and Adult Sections. Very Safe. Aracari Resort : West Bank Demerara (Versailles, between Harbor Bridge and Vreeden-Hoop)- Every Weekend. DJ Music.

Groups and Excursions welcome.

(Fee applies)- Phone: 264-2946-9.

VACANCY Dravid Manohar was the standout performer

Vacancy exists for one security guard contact 655-6511.

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022

23

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NSC supports PanAm badminton team with $1.6M T

he Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) has benefited from the National Sports Commission’s (NSC’s) generosity, demonstrated on Friday by the donation of $1.6M to enable the GBA to participate in this year’s Yonex Panam Individual Championships, which are set for staging in San Salvador, El Salvador from April 26-30.

Ramdhani siblings Narayan and Priyanna, along with Akili Haynes and Tyrese Jeffrey, will be Guyana’s representatives at the 15th edition of this tournament.

After wishing the team success at the PanAm Championships, Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, Narayan Ramdhani lauded the GBA for their contin-

uous push to develop the sport.

Emily Ramdhani, GBA Secretary, has thanked the NSC for their support.

Meanwhile, according to the GBA, Narayan Ramdhani, ranked 366 (Singles) and 297 (Mixed-Doubles) in the world, is attending the tournament to get the necessary ranking points to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Priyanna Ramdhani, ranked 411 (Singles) and 297 (Mixed-Doubles) in the world, will be seeking higher ranking points, while also helping her brother Narayan to gain more points by playing the mixed-doubles events with him.

Haynes and Jeffrey are also aiming to increase their Priyanna Ramdhani

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle (right), presenting the NSC’s $1.6M cheque to GBA Secretary Emily Ramdhani

ranking points, and will be competing in the singles, doubles and mixed-doubles categories.

Ticket agents named for Lady Jags World Cup qualifier matches F ans can now snap up in-demand tickets for the Lady Jags crunchtime home FIFA World Cup and Concacaf Women’s Championship qualifier matches, which would be played at the Leonora Track and Field Centre on the West Coast of Demerara.

Those tickets are available at the following places: MVP Sports at C1A and C1B

Giftland Mall at Turkeyen, ECD; West Indian Sports Complex at 43 Robb St, G/ town; High Rise Media, which can be found in the Vendors Market in the township of Bartica; the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Secretariat at Section K, Campbellville, G/town; and the Bartica Football Association’s office in the township of Bartica.

The Guyana senior wom-

en’s national team the Lady Jags, atop Group F on goal difference, take on their Central American rivals Nicaragua in a crucial penultimate qualification game on Friday, April 8, from 8pm (20h). With only the top teams from each group set to progress to the Concacaf W Championships, the GFF are calling on fans to come out in huge numbers to support the

Under-17 matches continue this weekend in Berbice

- Cotton Tree riding high after Gafur's century

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Radha Krishna and Albion he Berbice Cricket Bath at Bath.

East Bank Berbice teams A will meet at Albion today, Board’s (BCB’s) Under-17 tournament for Zone C features are East April 2. On Sunday April 3, will continue this weekend Bank Blazers, Guymine, and Rose Hall Town Bakewell A across various venues in the #19. On Saturday April 2, will oppose Rada Krishna at ancient county. Fresh from East Bank Blazers will lock Radha Krishna. Albion A will a crushing victory against horns with #19 at #19. On meet Albion B at Albion on Paradise, Cotton Tree will Sunday April 3, #19 will bat- April 3. now shift attention to Bush tle Guymine at #19.

Zone F teams are Rose Zone D teams are Hall Town B, Skeldon, Line Lot United today, Saturday April 2, at Bush Lot West, Edinburgh, Tucber Park and Path, and Port Mourant.

RH Canje. Rose Hall Canje Round One will see Rose Hall Berbice.

In round one, batting first will take on #19 at Rose Hall Town B vs Port Mourant at Area H at a date yet in the 40-over game against Canje today, April 2. On Paradise, Cotton Tree post- Sunday April 3, Rose Hall to be confirmed.

In round two, ed 331 all out, with Rashad Canje and Tucber Park will Gafur slamming 126 which battle at Rose Hall Canje.

Rose Hall Town B will meet Line Path at Area included seven sixes and Zone E teams are Rose H. Skeldon and Port ten fours.

Hall Town Bakewell A, Albion A, Albion B, Mourant will battle at J u s t i n Port Mourant.

Samid supand Radha Krishna Foundation.

Rose In round three, Rose ported with Hall Town Bakewell Hall Town B will 28, Trevis A will battle Albion play Line Dookharan B at Jai Hind Path at Line made 22, and Bila Saffie supground, and Path, and ported with Port Mourant 24.

Bowling and Skeldon will play at Port for Paradise, R Mourant.

McDonald claimed The quar3 for 48 from 8 overs. ter-finals are set for Saturday The Paradise Team scored 28 all April 9, and the winner of A will out, with Cotton Tree pacers Arif Khan bagging come up against the runner-up of E at a 3 for 8 and Tameshwar venue in Zone A. Adin bagging 3 for 10.

The winner of F opCotton Tree won by 303 runs. poses runner-up of D at In upcoming fixtures, Zone F venue, and the winner of D opposes winBush Lot United will play ner of B at Zone D venue.

Paradise at Paradise on Sunday April 3. The Zone The semi-finals are set for B teams are Achievers A, Sunday April 10, with the winner of 2 vs winner of Achievers B, and Bath.

On Saturday April 2, 4, and the winRashad Gafur has ner of 1 playAchievers A oppose Bath Fast-bowler Arif Khan at Hopetown. On Sunday struck the first century ing the winner continues to impress of the tournament April 3, Achievers B battle of 3.

pect a big crowd.”

RECAP

team.

The Lady Jags face Trinidad and Tobago in what could prove to be the deciding match on Tuesday, April 12, in that twin-island nation.

“We are calling on all football fans to come out and show the Lady Jags the sup-

port of our entire nation as they continue this incredible journey,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “We are so close to writing an incredible story out of an extremely tough group. I would encourage fans to buy their tickets in advance through one of our ticket agents, as we ex-

The following outlets have been selected as official ticket agents for the tantalising clash against Nicaragua.

Georgetown - MVP Sports in Giftland Mall at Turkeyen and in Amazonia Mall at Providence, EBD; GFF Secretariat at Section K, Campbellville; West Indian Sports Complex at 43 Robb St, Lacytown; The Guinness Bar at 67 Joseph Pollydore (Durban) Street.

Linden - Moslem Top Up Shop Bartica - High Rise Media in the Vendors’ Market, Bartica FA Office at the Community Centre Ground.

Shipping delay causes Space Gym 2.0 opening delay … doors to be opened later in April

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razilian-owned Space Gym – which is currently located at the Status Hotel on Croal Street, Georgetown – recently unveiled its newest location at the Royal Orchid Garden Hotel and Mall located on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

However, management of this new facility has informed that the opening, which was set for early April 2022, has now been delayed, due to the shipping of the equipment for the gym being still in transit to Guyana.

Management has further indicated that the facilities are ready, and once the ship arrives, the gym would be fully outfitted in the month of April.

Additionally, training for the new staff that would maintain and up the game from a professional perspective is ongoing, according to management, which is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the best possible training regimen for the staff that would be interacting with gym members on a daily basis.

Space Gym 2.0 offers fitness guidance and services that include aerobics, strength and flexibility training, bodybuilding, powerlifting, weightlifting, Cross-Fit and group

classes. Some of the key elements include the following: reception desk, self-service water/drink area, locker, rooms, waiting/relaxation area with tv screens, treadmill stations, weight area, yoga/ Pilates area, elliptical/bicycle area and health bar.

The gym is expected to be a major upgrade from the current location, with more equipment, more modern amenities and features, and lots of additional space covering 15,000 sq ft. Moreover, it would be powered by the Life Fitness equipment brand.

The new state-of-the-art gym is aiming to provide services for all ages and genders.

Services would include a variety of fitness equipment workout, group classes, personal training programmes, yoga,

and nutrition.

In addition to providing these services, Space Gym would also be a retailer of exclusive fitness products and select food items.

The gym will carry out its day-to-day operations primarily on a membership and appointment basis. All classes and personal training sessions will be scheduled in advance, but the gym itself would be open seven days a week – Monday to Friday 05:00h to 22:00h (5am to 10pm); Saturdays 06:00h to 18:00h (6am to 6pm) and Sundays and holidays 08:00h to 16:00h (8am to 4pm).

The management and staff of Space Gym 2.0 anxiously wait to welcome new members to this state-of-the-art facility soonest.

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

GMR&SC to conclude incomplete classes on April 10 …free entry for fans and spectators

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he Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) is apologising to its fans, spectators and racers for its failure to complete the March 27 Quarter-Mile Return drag race meet, and has announced that the incomplete classes would be held on April 10, 2022 and that fans and spectators would be able to gain free entry.

In a release, the GMR&SC has said, “Following the events of the Quarter-Mile Return meet, we feel the need to clear the air on several issues regarding the event and the way forward for those competitors who were not able to run their time brackets; namely: the fifteen (15) second, the fourteen (14) second and thirteen (13) second time brackets.

“The premature end to the day was a result of the fading light combined with

the fact that spectators had crowded both the start and finish lines, making it impossible for any more races to be run off.

“At that time, the Team Mohamed’s GTR Godzilla was attempting a ‘bye’ (single) run for the strip record, a run that had to be abandoned due to the circumstances stated above. We wish to state that while we are grateful for the fan support, which was considered to be one of the largest in recent history for drag racing, we also wish to remind those spectators that their safety and the safety of our competitors, marshals and officials are of paramount importance. As such, we have convened a special committee to firstly identify where the shortfalls occurred on March 27, and to recommend changes to prevent its recurrence.

Sensor malfunctions and system errors

We are cognizant of the fact that there were at least two instances of a prolonged period (when) we were unable to carry on any events. These were in full due to a malfunctioning down-track sensor which, after investigation, resulted from ardent race supporters unintentionally dis-aligning the instruments used for timing, and the fact that the senor itself failed shortly after.

“On separate occasions, we were forced to shut down the timing system, re-align the sensors, and in one case change an entire sensor before re-starting the system and resuming racing. This takes time, hence the lag in racing action. In the future, we are planning to ensure that the area where these instruments are placed remains sterile of fans and other persons who may unintentionally upset the equipment.”

Incomplete classes and events

After careful deliberations with all stakeholders, the GMR&SC has said, it has decided that those incomplete classes would have one day of planned action. A majority of the competitors have confirmed this as the most amicable way forward. After said deliberations, April 10, 2022 is the proposed date only for the completion of these classes.

Free entry for fans and spectators

The GMR&SC has also noted that while it had let its fans and racing enthusiasts down by not completing the event in a timely manner, the GMRSC owes it to the fans to make it up as much as possible. As such, it has been decided that when the completion of the fifteen (15) second, the fourteen (14) second and thirteen (13) second time brackets is hosted, proposed for April 10 2022, all fans would be al-

lowed to enter the venue free of cost.

The GMR&SC has said it is imperative that fans understand that adherence to the marshals and officials is of the utmost importance to ensuring that the day is run off effectively and safely.

Fans are also reminded to follow the flow of traffic.

As a club, the GMR&SC is looking forward to ensuring that events go off without a hitch.

Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic in Linden…

Ministry of Sport, Team Mohamed’s on board

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he Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Team Mohamed’s are the latest sponsors of the April 23 Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic in Linden.

Eight teams from Linden, West Demerara and Georgetown will converge

le Toney aniser Raw

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Tournamen

at the residence of National Sports Commission Chairman Kashif Muhammad in Richmond Hill, Linden.

Team Mohamed’s, through its principal Azruddin Mohamed, had supported Toney before,

uth and Culture, Yo Minister of n Jr so am R s le Sport, Char

but this marks the Sport Ministry’s first time sponsoring the event.

According to Toney, it didn’t take much to convince Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr to support the tournament, since the initiative aligns perfectly with the

Minister’s vision and directives for sports in Guyana.

Toney noted, “Minister Ramson is keen on talent development through tournaments and infrastructural development, and I’m more than happy to have the Ministry on board.

“My tournament aims to develop and provide an unmatched platform for 3X3 basketball in Guyana at various age groups, and with the continuous support of the Ministry, I will be able to achieve that goal.”

Mohamed, known for his philanthropy, has again been commended by Toney for believing in the aims and objectives of the tournament.

Toney added, “Azruddin Mohamed’s support for this tournament is something I can’t truly describe at the moment, but I appreciate his unwavering backing once again.”

Meanwhile, in giving an update on the preparation for the tournament, Toney said plans are moving along smoothly. He added, “At this point, it’s just a matter of tying up some loose ends and ensuring that the people of Linden are treated to an unforgettable evening of basketball and entertainment. This entire fusion of entertainment and basketball is new to Linden, but it is a perfect fit for the com-

munity. Linden is known for sports and a place where you have the best parties, and this is the experience I want to give people in my community.

“This edition of the tournament means a lot to me. I receive a lot of love from the community, it’s also where I’m from. So, I want to put on a special event for the people, especially since we haven't had basketball in Linden for over two years,” Toney has said.

In relation to the entertainment aspect of the tournament, Barbados recording artiste ‘Mole de Chief’ will be performing alongside local artistes and the country’s most popular deejays.

The eight participating teams would compete for $100,000 and other prizes.

Each team would also receive an appearance fee of $25,000.

Jump-ball time is 18:00hrs, and live entertainment action would commence right after the basketball aspect of the event.

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